William "Bill" Wayne Gaertner

William "Bill" Wayne Gaertner, 76, of Union, died peacefully with family at his side Oct. 17 in St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla.

A celebration of life was held Oct. 25 with Pastor Dan Mielke officiating. Burial was at Island City Cemetery.

Bill was born Aug. 15, 1932, to Emil Paul Gaertner and Mamie Emaline Huffman in La Grande. He worked as a conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad for 36 years.

Bill loved to fish, hunt and hunt for arrowheads. He also loved going metal detecting with his dear friend, Warren. He was a member of the Masons Royal Arch, Council and Commander of Al Kader Shrine, Scottish Rite and a charter member of the Mount Emily Good Sams and Eagles Lodge.

He is survived by his sister Ella Gulzow; children, Sheryl and her husband Dan Lundrum, Suzanne and her husband Steve Hansen, Rodney L. and his wife Cynthia Gaertner and Monte Gaertner; very dear friend, Shirley Malone; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Mae Gaertner; brother, Wayne P. Gaertner; and a grandson, Billie Rae Hansen.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners.

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