Timothy A. Gaertner

“And his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” — Exodus 17:12

MISSOULA ~ Timothy Aloysius Gaertner, 88, of Missoula, passed away peacefully and comfortably at Hope Hospice Center in the early morning hours of July 19, 2026. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Nancy, and rests with his Lord and Savior in heaven.

Tim was born to Aloysius and Margaret Gaertner on September 3, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, where he spent his childhood and early adult years. On September 6, 1958, he married Nancy (Marino) Gaertner. Together, they welcomed Jesus into their marriage and placed their faith and trust in God.

The couple first moved to Burbank, California, and later to Bella Vista, California, where Tim worked for United Parcel Service, hauling tandem trailers from Redding to Cordelia, north of San Francisco. Each day, he exchanged trailers with another driver and returned home. He loved the work, especially because it allowed him to be with his family every night.

After vacationing in Montana, Tim and Nancy moved to Missoula in 1974 with their six children and made it their home for the rest of their lives.

Throughout his life, Tim worked hard driving trucks, doing millwork, and helping Nancy raise their children. Still, every year he set aside two weeks to load up the family camper and take everyone on vacation adventures. Together they traveled to Canada, the ocean, Mount Rushmore, and across Montana, “the last best place.” In later years, Tim and Nancy continued exploring the West, sharing their love of travel, hiking, and the beauty of God’s creation.

Tim was a man of faith, courage, and conviction. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren deeply, sacrificed for them faithfully, and lived as an example of faith and integrity marked by gentleness, humor, tenacity, and strength.

Tim’s hands were steady in earnest prayer “until the going down of the sun,” until he came to the rising of a better sun in the land where his tearful prayers have been replaced with joyful praise!

Tim is survived by his sister, Rose-Marie; his sons, Craig (Cindy) Gaertner of Post Falls, Idaho, Glenn (Shelly) Gaertner of Missoula, and Timothy (Jacquie) Gaertner of Whitefish; his daughters, Renee (Fred) Woods and Andrea (Robert) Chase, both of Missoula; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy who passed away last December; his sister, Aloyis; and his daughter, Lynette (Rob) Sommerlot of Carmel, California.

A private burial will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula.