George Gartner

George P. Gartner, 77, of Fort Rice, passed away December 3, 2024, at CHI St. Alexius, Bismarck.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 am on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with Deacons Derek and Cindy Baliles officiating. Interment will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Lunch at the Moose in Mandan will immediately follow the graveside service.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a prayer service at 7 pm.

George was born February 22, 1947, in Bismarck to Anton and Mary (Bendish) Gartner. He grew up in Fort Rice, ND with his two brothers, Anton and Joe. He enlisted in the US Navy on the day JFK was assassinated, November 22, 1963, at the age of 16. He served aboard the USS Independence from 1964 to 1968, and was then stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. George spent 18 months off the coast of Vietnam.

Returning home to ND, George was self-employed owning and operating Gartner's 24-Hour Towing and Gartner's Salvage and Demolition. He was a member of the Mandan Jaycees and was the chairman for the Mandan Demolition Derby. George was known as George “Upside Down” Gartner from his days of doing the rollover. For those that don't know, the rollover was hitting a ramp and seeing how many times you could roll a car over. He took first place many times. He was also a big fan of stock car races and did some racing over the years. A big part of his later years was helping out at Dacotah Speedway in Mandan. Nothing kept him from the races. 

Playing cards, pull tabs, and occasionally a slot machine were some things George enjoyed. He loved collecting railroad related items. Every Sunday he enjoyed listening to the polka happy hour on the radio. 

George is survived by his two sons, Chad (Sue) Gartner and Loren Gartner; four grandchildren, Justin (Vanessa), Jeffrey (Meaghan), Joey, and Dylan; three great-grandchildren, August, Journey, and Phoenix.

George was preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul; and sister, Rosemary.

He will be missed deeply by his family and friends.