Gerald Gene Ganser

Details

Memorial Service Date

10/03/2026

Memorial Service Time

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Memorial Service Location

Bunker Garden Chapel

33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, 85201

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Reception Date

10/03/2026

Reception Time

Following Service

Reception Location

Bunker's Garden Chapel (Reception Room)

33 North Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201

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About Gerald Gene Ganser

Gerald Gene Ganser, a proud veteran of the United States Army Reserve, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at his home in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 88. He was born January 16, 1938, in Salisbury, Missouri to his loving parents Chester and Leona Ganser. Gerald graduated in 1956 from Southeast Highschool in Kansas City, Missouri. Following graduation, he worked with his father as a carpenter who specialized in bridge construction while concurrently attending construction school in the evenings. Through his acquired education and extensive carpenter experience, Gerald constructed an inviting family home in Missouri. Gerald and his family relocated from Missouri to Arizona to develop and manage a life enrichment center, Towerpoint, alongside his sister Dorthy Garske and his brother Don Ganser. Gerald also worked for the Mesa Public Schools for 25 years where he was involved with carpentry trades.

In 1959, Gerald began his service in the United States Army Reserve at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. During his time in the Army Reserve, he mastered his construction skills and earned the Marksmanship Qualification Badge as a Sharpshooter. His dedication to duty, discipline, and service reflected the character and commitment he carried throughout his life.

Gerald married the love of his life, Anita Grist on May 7th, 1960 - They raised 3 children together - Sherry, Teresa, and Dale. He was kind-hearted and easygoing with a great sense of humor. Among many things Gerald enjoyed fishing, sports and spending quality time with the people he loved. He especially enjoyed traveling with his wife, Anita, creating lasting memories together in countless locations around the world, notably Peru, Rome, and Alaska.

Gerald will be remembered for all he has accomplished in his life, but also for the character, strength, and lasting impression he left on the people who knew and loved him. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Leona Ganser; his sister, Dorthy Garske; and his brothers, Robert Ganser, Donald Ganser, and Norman Ganser.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 66 years, Anita; his three children Sherry (Larry) Koch; Teresa Ganser; & Dale (Jill) Ganser. Gerald is survived by four cherished grandchildren, Dylan, Ryan, Taylor and Tanner; and his brother Roy (Pat) Ganser.

Please join us for Gerald's Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Bunker Garden Chapel with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Hospice of the Valley. Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.

Honoring Your Loved Ones

Condolences

11 comments

Brenda Ganser Miller

1 week, 4 days ago

Uncle Gerald we attended your celebration of life today. You were remembered as the greatest husband, father, grandpa, brother, brother in law, uncle and friend. I will forever carry in my heart the wonderful memories of you and our family. RIP

Eddie Garcia

1 week, 6 days ago

I always loved talking with Mr. Ganser. From the very first day we met, he told me to call him Gerald, and that meant more to me than he ever knew. I’d never called a friend’s dad by his first name before, and it made me feel welcomed, like I belonged. I’ll always carry warm memories of Gerald. He treated me like family, like a son, and I’ll never forget that kindness. My deepest condolences to the Ganser family during this incredibly difficult time. I hope the memories you shared with him bring you comfort and a smile when you need it most.

Leroy and Pat Ganser

2 weeks, 1 day ago

Part of life is letting go of a lifelong bond with a special brother Leroy welcomed his little brother Gerald into the world when Leroy was two years old. The grew up absorbing all their father's skills and knowledge. Since they looked alike, Gerald would tell everyone that the two of them were twins, born two years apart! Early on we enjoyed family picnics at Worlds of Fun and water skiing on Prairie Lee Lake. Gerald and Leroy helped each other build their family homes in Kansas City. We spent many happy summers visiting one another after Gerald and family moved to Phoenix. And who knows how many times we met them in Las Vegas! We cruised with them in the Caribbean, and spent a week with their family on the Legacy on Lake Powell. Our deepest sympathy to Anita and her family. May fondest memories of a good man and a good life sustain us all

Eric Newlin

2 weeks, 2 days ago

My sincere condolences to the family. May they have comfort and strength during this tough time and the faith to find peace. Gerald was one of the good guys. He always enjoyed hearing little stories about our adventures with an unmistakable grin.

Brad Warkentin aka "Bradley J. Stevens"

2 weeks, 2 days ago

Uncle Gerald: I want to share a few memories I have. The first memory has been retold to me a thousand times by Gerald and others (Dale) since I was 4 years old. The Warkentin clan and Ganser clan would meet up in San Diego for vacation many times when I was younger. Apparently, (look how I am denying this) a four year old Bradley J. Stevens decided to not wait to use the bathroom and instead left a "Baby Ruth" candy bar in the pool. As Gerald told me many times, he could see it from the fourth floor of the hotel. More recently, my youngest daughter, Brigette, and I would travel from California to Mesa for soccer tournaments during the pandemic. He and Anita would come to watch some of her games. One evening Dale and I would "chef it up" at his house and invite his parents over. Aunt Anita was complaining one time about how she would walk around the house turning lights on and as soon as she did Gerald would follow her to turn them off. As she was telling this story, Gerald looked in my direction, and said, "Damn right!" So every time I visit a hotel in San Diego or turn off lights in my house I will think of you. You were an honorable person who served his country and remained married for over 66 years while working to support a family of three. You were an excellent example of how a man should be by living your life as you did. You will be missed. Love, Bradley J. Stevens

Travis Miller

2 weeks, 2 days ago

Uncle Gerald had a wonderful gift for making you feel completely welcome and deeply loved every time you saw him. Some of my fondest family memories are of his warmth, easy laughter, and of course, his legendary baked beans at get-togethers. He will be deeply missed, but the love he shared will always stay with us. Rest in peace, Uncle Gerald.

Jill Ganser

2 weeks, 3 days ago

It’s hard to put into words what Gerald meant to our family. For so many years, we could count on seeing him at every holiday, every birthday, and every family gathering. He never missed the moments that mattered. His presence became such a natural part of our lives that it’s difficult to imagine those moments without him. When Taylor and Tanner, were born, Dale and I wanted nothing more than to have them grow up truly knowing their grandparents; not just knowing who they were, but having a real relationship with them, making memories with them, and feeling their love throughout their childhood. Gerald gave them that. He watched them grow up. He celebrated every milestone. He was there for the big moments and for so many of the ordinary moments too. There is something very special about watching your children be loved by their grandparents. Knowing that Taylor and Tanner had Gerald in their lives means more to us than we could ever fully express. Those years, those memories, and that relationship are gifts that can never be replaced. Over the years, Gerald became woven into the fabric of our family. When we think about the many years we have shared together, Gerald is in those memories. He was part of every aspect of our lives. There will be moments when something reminds us of him unexpectedly, and we’ll wish we could have just one more conversation, one more holiday, one more memory together. Gerald, you were such an important part of our family and our lives. Your absence will be felt deeply, but so will your presence in our memories, in the stories we tell, and especially in Taylor and Tanner, who will carry the love and memories of their grandpa with them for the rest of their lives. I will miss you more than I can express, and will always be thankful that you were such a big part of our lives. We will see you again one day; until then we will cherish every moment we have shared. With Love, Jill Ganser

Tyler Shell

2 weeks, 3 days ago

Great man with an awesome dry sense of humor!

Debbie Polo

2 weeks, 3 days ago

Uncle Gerald had a wonderful sense of humor and was so much fun to be around. Quiet and calm, but witty and always made you feel so comfortable. Such a wonderful person and so grateful to have seen him when we came out for spring training last year. I will forever cherish the photo of our last dinner together.

Todd Yeager

2 weeks, 3 days ago

I always liked and appreciated Uncle Gerald: he was quiet but with a good sense of humor and was a steady rock of the family.

Tanner Ganser

2 weeks, 5 days ago

My earliest memory in life is drinking chocolate milk in the car with grandpa being driving home from school, I cherish that memory.