OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Roger Seth Gurtler, 86, of Osage City, Kan., passed away Jan. 17, 2022, at Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kan. Roger was born Oct. 1, 1935, in Maple Hill, Kan., to Seth Loren Gurtler and Fannie Lillian (Winsor) Gurtler.
He grew up with sisters, Carol Kurtz (Don), of Burlingame, Kan., and Sharon Holland (Virgil), Seattle, Wash.; and brother Wendell “Pete” Gurtler (Shirley), Sheldon, Iowa.
As a teen, he loved spending his time helping with haying and dairy cows on the farm. He loved rebuilding anything mechanical, especially tractors and old Chevrolets. He graduated in 1953 from Dickinson County High School. After high school, he joined the US Army and he completed boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He was proud to serve his country; he received the Good Conduct and Sharpshooter (Rifle) awards. He received training as an auto repairman and this sparked his passion for his career.
After the service he spent time working for Emenshoek Construction, Eskridge, Kan., Shield’s Chevrolet Buick, Osage City, and also own an auto shop in Herrington, Kan., known as Roger’s Garage. He spent most of his life being self-employed, making mechanical repairs, body work, and custom paint on client’s vehicles.
He loved restoring classic Chevrolets, riding his vintage Harley Davidson, and growing roses and tomatoes. He loved travelling and that love allowed his children to see many sights across the country. He thoroughly enjoyed “going junkin’”. He collected all types of antiques, and was always on the hunt for a new treasure. If you went junkin’ with him, he was hard to keep up with, he could move through an antique shop, estate sale, auction faster than lightning, searching for that treasure. He had a keen eye for what was valuable and what he wanted to add to his many collections.
Before joining the US Army, he met his wife Sonja Mowat, of Herrington, and together they brought four children into the world, Teresa Gurtler-Shively (Robert), Eden, Wyo., Denise Gurtler, Tallahassee, Fla., David Gurtler, Fort Collins, Colo., and Tami Gurtler of Missoula, Mont. They later divorced and she preceded him in death.
He then joined in marriage to Lois Ard, of Osage City. Together they brought one daughter into this world, Amy Gurtler-Quaney (Duane), Burlingame. Lois survives Roger and they spent their long marriage together in Osage City.
Preceding Roger in death were his parents, Seth and Fannie; ex-wife, Sonja; brother-in-law, Don; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephew.
Roger is lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Lois Ard-Gurtler; five children, Teresa (Robert), Denise, David, Tami and Amy (Duane); sisters, Carol (Don) and Sharon (Virgil); brother, Pete (Shirley); seven grandchildren, Grant (Lena), Danielle, Megan(Joe), Dillon, Anna(Matt), Dante and Seth; five great grandchildren, Julia, Devon, Danika, Alexis and Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at the Osage City Cemetery. The family will receive friends 1-2 p.m. Monday, at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City.
Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice that honors veterans, such as Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Honor Guard, or your local animal shelter or rescue, and sent in care of the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.
