Earl R. Gafner, 76 of Las Vegas, passed away on Wednesday January 29, 2014. Earl was born on December 29, 1937, Britton, Michigan. He was the son of Charles and Florence (Pickford) Gafner.
He is survived by his loving wife Galina Rudko of Las Vegas and former wife Lynne (Jacobs) Gafner of Blissfield and their children; a son Mark (Teresa) Gafner of Delta,Ohio, and daughter Valerie (Mike) Gunn of Ida, five grandchildren; Courtney, Jeff, and Kyle Gunn of Ida and Emily and Elizabeth Gafner of Delta, Ohio. Also surviving is a brother, Elwyn “Buzz” Gafner of Blissfield and a sister, Arlene McVay of Morenci. He was preceded in death by a sister, Madeline Lietzke of Blissfield.
After graduating from Blissfield High School, Earl served his country in the United States Marine Corps at 29 Palms, California and was released from active duty on July 22, 1958. He worked most of his career as a motor carrier officer for the Michigan State Police before retiring in 1992 with 28 years of service. Earl loved to travel and was proud to have taken his family to 48 of the United States.
In retirement, Earl traveled to all continents and was able to visit over 40 countries. Favorite spots include Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world which is located in Siberia, and Machu Picchu in Peru. Wherever he traveled in the world, Earl loved to display the pride of his Michigan heritage by wearing a University of Michigan shirt or displaying a block M on his vehicle.
Cremation will take place at McDermott Funeral Home in Las Vegas. Funeral service will be held at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada on Tuesday, February 18 at 8:40 am.