Robert "Bob"

D. Gartner Jr.

Chambers — Robert "Bob" Dean Gartner Jr., 83, of Chambers, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at Accura Care Center in O'Neill.

Visitation was held Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a rosary.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at the mortuary in O'Neill. Fr. Ross Burkhalter officiated.

Burial will be held at a later date in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.

Robert was born June 30, 1942 in O'Neill, to Robert and Mary (Maly) Gartner. He joined his family on a ranch south of Emmet for a time as his father worked for the Schaffer Ranch. The family eventually settled in the Chambers area after moving to several ranches over the years. Bob attended country school through the eighth grade and then attended high school at Chambers Public Schools. Throughout high school, Bob loved sports and participated in football, basketball and was also a long distance runner and thrower on the track team. Robert graduated with the class of 1960.

After graduating, Bob ranched with his family until 1965, when he attended college in Dallas for radio technology engineering. He later returned to Chambers and worked various jobs, but ultimately being a farmer and rancher was his life's calling. In 2007, Robert started South Fork Seed and enjoyed working with his sons. Bob never truly retired, he slowed down due to health reasons and assumed the role of family consultant.

Bob loved to go hunting, trapping and fishing. He particularly enjoyed trapping bobcats and fishing at Spencer Dam. Bob had many talents, including woodworking, overhauling tractors and cars, and welding. Some of his happiest days were spent at the lake, water skiing and tubing with family and friends. These moments brought him immense joy and created lasting memories he cherished deeply. 

He was a devoted member of AA for over 38 years. It was his passion to help people overcome their addictions, one day at a time, and he would travel just about anywhere to assist someone in need. He is known throughout the AA community for his motto of, “Happy, Joyous and Free,” and he did his best to live by these words every single day.  

Bob is survived by his eight children Ronald Gartner and his family, Sharon Jones and her family, Billy Gartner and his family, Lori Persson and her family, Chrystal Curtis of Atkinson, Robby (Andrea) Gartner of Chambers, Jessie (Grace) Matthews and Cody Gartner, all of O'Neill; long time best friend Roxanne Rustemeyer-Gartner; seven grandchildren Ashley (Ryan) Bromwich, Natasha (Jordan) Johnson, Ceara Curtis, Levi Curtis, Austin Johnson, Jaci Johnson, William Gartner, Archer Matthews and Penelope Gartner; five great-grandchildren; his sister Betty Watson of O'Neill; one brother-in-law Charles Porter of Fremont; many nieces and nephews; and his shop cat Blackbird.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson Jarod Bromwich; his granddaughter Autumn Matthews; five siblings Leslie Gartner, Donald (Beverly) Gartner, Robert V. Gartner, Mary Lou (James) Butts and Anna Mae Porter; and one brother-in-law Stan Watson.