Helmut (Hal) Henry Fred Gaertner was born to Henrich (Henry) Ernest Gaertner and Anna Marie (Lutz) Gaertner on the 13th of March, 1929, in Poznan, Germany (now Poland).
One year later, Helmut, his mother and two older sisters (Elsie and Hilda) packed their belongings and set out for Canada. They started their long journey on a ship to Canada, and then transferred to a train to travel to Tisdale. His Dad and Grandfather (Karl Friedrick Gaertner) had gone ahead to set up a farm in Runciman. His youngest sister (Doreen) was born close to two years later.
When he was school age, he attended school in Runciman where he quickly became friends for life with Frank Reaume. Because of the workload on the farm he was only able to attend school until grade eight, but his curious mind ensured that he would continue to learn the rest of his life.
Helmut spent winters away from home working in order to purchase farm land, with the intention of setting up his own farm. Then, he met a pretty girl in Nipawin and convinced her to marry him. On the 13th of October, 1952, Theresa (Terry) Ruth Gettis became Terry Gaertner and the two started farming together in Crooked River.
Even with the stress, uncertainty and hard work of farming Helmut and Terry loved the life style and the joy of raising a family on the farm. He enjoyed being surrounded by his girls (Terry, Faith Diana, Diane Hope and Lynn Charity.)
Helmut was involved in the Crooked River community, Tisdale Co-op, Area History Book, Wheat Pool, and the Tisdale Lutheran Church.
Helmut and Terry retired from farming in 2006 and moved to Tisdale. They celebrated 66 yrs of marriage on the 13 of October, 2018. He enjoyed building beautiful pieces of woodwork in his garage. He also enjoyed many hours of playing pool at the Golden Age Center with his friends.
Helmut is predeceased by his father Henry, mother Anna, sister Elsie, and best friend Frank. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Terry and his children Faith (Ron), Diane(Bob) and Lynn (Dave), 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, sisters Doreen and Hilda, nieces, nephews and friends.