07/02/2026
Honoring Our Fallen & Remembering Their Service
In June, the Garner Fire Department recognizes and honors the dedicated members of the GFD whose names have been added to the Iowa Firefighters Memorial in Coralville, Iowa.
Attending the memorial ceremony was a deeply moving experience. Standing among fellow firefighters, families, and communities from across Iowa, we were reminded of the sacrifices made by those who answered the call to serve. The ceremony was a powerful tribute to the courage, commitment, and lasting legacy of these firefighters.
These members gave countless hours of service, dedication, and sacrifice to protect the Garner community. We are grateful for their commitment and the impact they made through their years of service.
We proudly remember:
Edward Ziesmer — 41 years
E. F. Wetterling — 33 years
Dwight “Pop” Miller — 22 years
William Houdek — 27 years
Emil “Cowboy” Rekow — 17 years
C. D. Elling — 27 years
Walter Edelen — 16 years
Bernard Engstler — 34 years
Ronald Smith — 28 years
Don Roe — 32 years
W. L. “Bill” Baggs — 23 years
G. W. Templeton — 21 years
Dr. Lowell B. Johnson — 21 years
Francis L. Zrostlik — 18 years
Edward “Red” Buntenbach — 31 years
Arvil L. Stille — 18 years
Raymond L. Pool — 25 years
Joe Kern — 14 years
James W. Meyer — 36 years
Larry Jerome Schisel — 24 years
Joe Huinker — 27 years
Robert L. Kral — 26 years
David Waddingham — 36 years
Richard “Dick” Voortmann — 26 years
Gary D. Schisel — 28 years
James “Jim” Schultz — 21 years
Dr. Darrell Neuberger — 32 years
Homer Van Oort — 22 years
We also honor our two Garner Fire Department members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty:
Mike Pinneke — 1991
Clarence “Slatts” Niemeyer — 1967
Their courage, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their names, their service, and their legacy will forever remain a part of the Garner Fire Department family and our community.
Thank you for your service. Rest easy — we have the watch. 🚒🇺🇸
