Michael Hans Gartner

Born in Portland, Oregon to Jack and Lorraine Gartner, Michael grew up with a passion for hockey, spending countless hours on the ice. Michael attended Reynolds High School before joining the family business at Gartner’s Meat Market in the late 1970s, where he learned the art of sausage making from his father, Jack. He later continued his craft as a sausage maker at Zenner’s Sausage Co., further perfecting his skills and carrying on the tradition he had grown to love.

In his adult years, Michael developed a passion for hydraulic lowrider cars and owned a cherry-red Chevy Blazer with which he won numerous awards around the Portland area. He found a family within the community that he remained in close contact with long after his years of competing with his Chevy Blazer had ended.

Michael also had a love of motorcycles, owning many over the course of his life. His favorite, by far, was his bar hopper chopper with ape handlebars that he was very proud of and loved cruising around the Portland area.

Michael was tough on the outside, with a no-nonsense attitude that could intimidate at first glance—but those who knew him best saw his big heart underneath. He had a gift for humor, always cracking jokes and doing his best to bring laughter to any room. His warmth, hidden behind his strong exterior, left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Michael is survived by his mother Lorraine Gartner, son Hans Gartner, grandson Jace Gartner, and sisters Sheri Puppo and Pam Gartner.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future, further details to come.