Jeffery Alan Gaertner

Jeffery Alan Gaertner, 38, of Jackson, Wyo., and formerly of Enterprise, died March 31 in a motor vehicle accident. Memorial services were held April 5 at Joseph High School. Bollman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

A youth pastor and former coach, his nicknames included Coach G and "G."

Jeff was born Sept. 30, 1970, in La Grande and grew up playing sports and loving the outdoors. He graduated from

La Grande High School, served briefly in the Army and was medically discharged, and earned a bachelor's degree from Eastern Oregon University.

In 1991, Jeff's life changed as he realized the need for Jesus as his Savior and guide. Those who knew him say he began to live in the midst of God's purpose for his life. They say Jeff saw the importance of sharing God's love and the grace he had been given and was called to youth ministry.

In December 1995, Jeff married Heidi Miller of Enterprise and their ministry took them to First Christian Church in Milton-Freewater, First Baptist Church in Enterprise and most recently the First "B" Church of Jackson in Wyoming.

Jeff looked for opportunities to serve and minister to youth. He enjoyed 15 years of coaching high school football in La Grande, Milton-Freewater, Wallowa and Enterprise. He also coached junior high wrestling and girls softball. He helped create the Wallowa County Summer Adventure Program where he ultimately served as a counselor and manager. His love for the outdoors expanded to include youth camping and backpacking trips. Destinations of youth mission trips included Mexico, New York and Alaska.

Bible scripture was Jeff's guide. He shared his love for Christ and desired for all to know and glorify his Lord and Savior, and live out God's calling on our lives as stated in Ephesians 4:1 " ... I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." A line from "The Gladiator'' became his motto: "What we do in life, echoes in eternity."

Jeff is survived by his wife, Heidi; daughter, Landrey; son, Dawson; parents, Terry and Cristy (Wilder) Gaertner of La Grande; brothers, Aaron and Cameron; in-laws, Rod and Sandy Miller; and brothers-in-law, Jesse and Cory Miller, all of Enterprise.

The Jeff Gaertner Memorial Fund has been set up at Community Bank to help with medical costs for the youths injured in the auto accident and to fund youth ministry in Wallowa County.

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