Harold O. Gaertner, 88, of Sedalia, died Monday, February 4, 2013. He was born May 18, 1924, the son of Alfred and Bertha (Peach) Gaertner. Harold and Helen Edens were united in marriage on October 18, 1950. Helen preceded Harold in death on February 5, 1997.

Harold was proud of his U.S. Army Air Corps service in the South Pacific during World War II. He worked for Missouri-Pacific Railroad until his retirement, and then for Montgomery Wards as a custodian until his second retirement. Throughout his employment Harold was known to be a hard worker. He shared his belief in a strong work ethic by setting a good example for his children.

Harold was also proud of his family. His grandchildren have many fond and interesting memories of the times they enjoyed with Grandpa. Harold was an avid fisherman and he liked to tell stories, whether they were true or not.

Harold is survived by 2 sons, Jim Gaertner and his wife Micki and David Gaertner; his daughter, Carol Perkins and her husband Glenn; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; his sister, Anita Schmoll and her husband George and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Helen and his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his brother, Fred Gaertner.

Funeral services will be at 1:00PM, Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Ewing-Schutte-Semler Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Hankins and Chaplin Bill Douglas officiating. Service Military Honors will be rendered by 40 and 8. Pallbearers will be Mark DeGraffenreid, Chris Jones, Seth Gaertner, Menachem Gaertner, Glenn Perkins and Paul Bennett. Honorary Pallbearers will be Gabriel Gaertner, Caleb Gaertner and Abraham Gaertner. Burial will be in Highland Sacred Gardens. Military Honors will be presented by the Pettis County VFW # 2591.

Online condolences may be shared at EwingSchutteSemlerFH.com. Harold's family suggests memorial contributions to the Show Me Honors Flight in care of the funeral home.

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