Dale Gerald Gartner

An avid train enthusiast and dedicated foster/rescue dog advocate, Dale's life was marked by his passion for both locomotives and four-legged friends.

Dale is survived by his children, Gail Gartner (Illyion Samuels) of Camden DE, and Daniel Gartner (Douglas Orwig) of Aurora, CO. His memory is carried on by his grandchildren: Christopher Gartner-Hunter of Lewes, DE; Terrence Williford II (Brittney) of Smyrna, DE; and Brianna Gartner of Dover, DE. Dale's great-grandchildren include Zalia M Ellis of Newport News, VA; Daeven J Gartner of Dover, DE; Zhyhee I Gartner-Harmon of Dover, DE; Macai E Williford of Smyrna, DE; Xiamora K Peacock of Dover, DE; and Royal Blu’ C Gartner-Hunt of Lewes, DE, and Snycere A Williford of Smyrna, DE.

Dale was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn G (Thinschmidt) Gartner, on October 18, 1981; his son, Brian D. Gartner on January 19, 2009; sister, Shirley (Gartner) Morgan on September 4, 2014; parents, Leona Gartner and Gerald Gartner; and great-grandson, Syaire A Williford on January 14, 2022.

A memorial service to celebrate Dale's life will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Haslett, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Animal Rescue Foundation at https://arflife.org in honor of Dale's passion for rescuing and fostering dogs.

The family extends a special thank you to Dale's friends at St Luke Lutheran Church for their unwavering support during this challenging time.