Louise Gaertner (nee Payant) passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, with family present, after a brief illness. She was born on March 7, 1935 in Baltimore to Dorothy Louise Payant (nee Tiemeyer) and Wallace Payant. Louise was preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Dorothy Payant Piel.
Louise grew up in Howard Park and graduated from Forest Park High School and secretarial school before spending her career as an executive secretary to legal and real estate business executives.
Louise was married to Kenneth R. Henneberger, a stock broker and Maryland State Bank Inspector, from 1961 until his death in 1983. Louise remarried in 1996 to Gordon Gaertner, a retired Baltimore Gas & Electric engineer, who preceded her in death in 2019.
Louise is survived by daughter-in-law Sharon Gaertner, granddaughters Jennifer Gaertner-Otto (m Daniel) and Elise Gaertner Seidel (William), and great grand-daughter Rosalie Otto. She is also survived by nephews Charles Piel (Deborah), David Piel (Goldie), Richard Piel, Jr. (Angie), and James Piel. In addition, she has five grand nieces and nephews, and 14 great-grand nieces and nephews.
Louise enjoyed boating and travel with her late husband Gordon and was a member of Annapolis Yacht Club. Many family gatherings were hosted at the Gaertner shore home on the Magothy River for July 4 fireworks, Christmas, and other family celebrations. Louise was a generous supporter of numerous charities, particularly Helping Up Mission in Baltimore, Maryland.
Louise was baptized at Second English Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD, where she was a member and communicant for 80 years. She later joined Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Arnold, Md. Her warm demeanor, sense of humor, and kindness to all will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.
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