Judith Gaertner

Judith A. Gaertner was born January 10, 1936 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Walter and Florence (nee Gerbracht) Mahle. She passed away on February 21, 2023 at Harbor Chase of Long Grove.

Judy spent her childhood in Cleveland, Ohio, and most of her adult life in Buffalo Grove, Illinois and later on Countryside Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. She was an outstanding and beloved teacher for the Hawthorn School District for over 20 years. Judy had many life-long friends including her school friends from Cleveland and her neighbors in Buffalo Grove and Mundelein. Over the course of her career she also developed many deep friendships with other teachers at Hawthorn School Upon retirement, Judy and her tightknit group of co-workers were each given a rocking chair from the school district, earning them the title, “The Rockers”, and she loved getting together with her Rocker friends during her later years. Her love of education and thirst for knowledge flourished after retirement, as she enjoyed going to various museums and other historical places of interest. Judy’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to Jim, her husband of more than 60 years, and she willingly supported many of Jim’s various endeavors. Judy was a loving wife, sister, mother and grandmother, and an excellent homemaker.

Judy is survived by her husband James Gaertner; her sons Eric (Anne) Gaertner and Kirk (Lisa) Gaertner; her grandchildren Nathan, Emily, Megan and Alec and by her brother Steve (late Lynne) Mahle and by her nieces and nephews.

Visitation Friday, April 21, 2023 at St. Mary Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment private.

Services will be held for family and close friends.