Harold Louis Gaertner, 89, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 11, 2023. Harold is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Kay, son Brian Gaertner, and their two daughters; Denise Patregnani and Gretel Crison. He is also survived by 8 loving grandchildren; Kayla Patregnani, Alyssa Gaertner, Kelsey Gaertner, Rylee Patregnani, Randi Patregnani, Cole Crison, Juno Crison and Tom Crison. Harold served in the U.S. Army as a gunnery instructor and MP during the Korean war period. After an honorable discharge he earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Wayne State University and became a public-school teacher. Later in his career, he assumed a position as an administrator, responsible for all the vocational education programs in the Plymouth-Canton, Michigan school district. Harold was a talented craftsman building two houses for his family by himself in Oscoda and White Lake Michigan, as well as a canoe and a Blue Jay sailboat. After successful careers, he and Kay retired to one of their favorite places, Marco Island, Florida where he was active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary participating in search and rescue missions as well as teaching marine navigation. Harold was a licensed pilot and enjoyed tennis, boating, fishing, photography, astronomy and spending time with his many friends and family. Harold's ashes will be scattered on the water off Marco Island per his wishes.