Gerald Jerry Norman Gardenswartz, a popular resident of Durango and descendent of a pioneering Jewish family, passed away after a brief illness on Dec. 5, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 80.
A service was held Dec. 11 at Feldman Chapel, followed by interment at Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Jerry was a delightful friend, said his longtime Durango friend Jane Gerstenberger.
Mr. Gardenswartz was born May 3, 1929, in Durango. His great-grandfather Aaron Gardenswartz was an early pioneer in the Bayfield, Colo., area, and his father Lester Buster Gardenswartz owned Gardenswartz Sporting Goods, established in 1928.
His mother Hazel Edelstein Gardenswartz was also well remembered in the town.
As businessmen, they were the movers and shakers of Durango, said Fort Lewis College historian Duane Smith.
Jerry Gardenswartz received most of his schooling in Durango but graduated from East High in Denver.
He attended CU and graduated in 1952.
He then married Lorraine Lee Nathenson.
Mr. Gardenswartz established his own real estate company in Denver and later worked for many years in property management.
He returned to Durango in 1983.
Following Mrs. Gardenswartz death on Jan. 4, 2006, Mr. Gardenswartz moved to San Antonio to be near his son.
Mr. Gardenswartz is survived by his son Michael (Sylvia) Gardenswartz of San Antonio and daughter Jamie Gardenswartz of Hailey, Idaho; sister Judith Gardenswartz (Stanford) Lotwin of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; and grandchildren Lauren Gardenswartz, Lindsey Gardenswartz, Yuri McClur and Telar McClure.
Contributions may be made in Mr. Gardenswartz name to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 5430 Fredericksburg, #200, San Antonio, TX 78229.
