Barbara "Barb" Anne Gartner passed peacefully March 6th in her home with her son and daughter by her side. Barbara was born to Vincent "Bake" & Amanda Havorka in Randolph, NE August 23, 1929. She was the youngest of 4 siblings: Calvin Jr, Vince Jr, June (LaCroix). From Randolph she embarked on a remarkable journey creating life rich with family, friends and memorable experiences.

In Mom's best days she loved to be active. She had a love for adventure: fast cars, travel, parties, margaritas, never a dull moment. She was a 'doer'-- full of initiative from finding the next activity to entertain guests, planning the next trip, or trying a business venture. Family was always her priority, from required daily dinners to holiday blow outs & impromptu parties.

After earning her teaching degree, she followed her sister June to Rapid City. She started teaching in Sturgis and took advantage of the 'big city' opportunities. She performed with water ski teams on Canyon Lake, lifeguarded, found clerking positions on Hollywood movie sets, and landed a position with the Sliver Wings Club at Ellsworth where her mission was to "find new ways to keep the men of Ellsworth entertained". With her brilliant smile, quick wit, pension for fun, she excelled in her SD life. Her new connections created the path for her next chapter, teaching overseas at the American military school in Orleans France. She took full advantage of living in France and happily shared memories of visits to the 'old family' in Czechoslovakia, seeing Edith Piaf shows in Parisian bars, spectating at LeMans, touring with new friends in Provence, and driving her Porsche around Europe. Her love of France and Europe planted seeds that would later germinate with her son, daughter, and grandchildren who all followed her legacy with their own adventures in France and beyond.

After France, she returned to Rapid City. Through the Black Hills Ski Club, she met Bob Gartner and together set off on her next phase. They attended the University of Wyoming where Barb obtained her master's in education. Before leaving Laramie, they married and had their first child, Brett. They returned to Rapid City where their daughter Gina was born. Later they built their dream home, replete with her requirement for a pool. She would be found very bronzed, in a bikini (or less), floating on a raft in their pool, or on a boat at Pactola during her summers off from teaching. She was quite an athlete: water skiing & snow skiing into her 80's with her children and grandchildren, swimming, diving, hiking, and crushing people at ping-pong with her wicked serve.

She was a dedicated educator and taught business, French, and typing at both West Junior High and Stevens High School for almost 30 years. She infamously required students in her typing class to decorate and wear paper bags over their heads as a 'teaching aid' to better learn the keys.

After retiring, she needed something to fill her days so bought the Dairy Queen in Hill City. There is where she met their true "squad" with whom they shared many milestones, great meals, ample wine and laughter.

Their tight group of friends, family, very compassionate & fun neighbors kept both she and Bob living life into their last years. She and Bob taught many kids to swim in their pool and having that young energy in the summers filled their hearts when their kids had moved away. They loved their home and her most cherished moments were surrounded with family and their wonderful neighbors. Through her last days, Barb still enjoyed hosting nightly happy hours and the Wheel of Fortune with one of her many "guardian" neighbors.

In addition to children, they raised several pets and loved keeping track of wildlife and birds.

Her favorite French singer, Edith Piaf, summed up her life well lived, "Je Ne Regrette Rien. (I regret nothing)

Barb is survived by her children, Brett (Sue Micone) and Gina Lundstrom (Chad) grandchildren Jayla and Alex, 14 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent "Bake" and Amanda Havorka, husband Bob, her 3 siblings, Vincent Havorka Jr., Calvin Havorka, June LaCroix, her niece, Jill and many dear friends.

We would like to express our immense gratitude for our family and extended family of neighbors and local services who supported mom to be at home through her final day. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to YMCA.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 16, 12:30-2:15 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with interment immediately following at Black Hills National Cemetery.