Born: April 7, 1950, in Garnett.

Family: Wife, Margie; daughter, Amanda, son-in-law Joe, and granddaughters, Kaihtlyn, Lilly and Etta, Linwood; son Michael, Chanute; and son Thomas and daughter-in-law Gayle, Austin, Texas.

Occupation: Gilner is in his 37th year teaching in Tonganoxie. He spent his first two years of teaching in Bazine. He teaches social studies, specifically American government and psychology at THS. He also teaches driver’s education in the summer months.

He also is a Tonganoxie City Council member and district marshal of the Fourth Degree for the Knights of Columbus, a fraternal order in the Catholic Church.

Dream job as a child: Gilner wanted to join the Navy and “see the world.” He later served two years active duty in the U.S. Navy.

Interesting facts: Gilner attended the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. He made the trip on a motorcycle.

Gilner also always would grow a beard when he and Margie learned they we were going to be parents or grandparents. Gilner said he enjoyed growing a beard so much that he has continued the tradition today.

Digging deeper: Gilner graduated from Greeley High School (now part of the Anderson County school district) in 1968.

He joined the Navy, serving in Norfolk, Va., and Puerto Rico before earning an associate’s degree from Allen County Community College and then a bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University in 1975.

Andy and Margie met through relatives each had in his hometown. They met Jan. 2, were engaged March 18 and married Dec. 29, all in 1976. Andy joked that they moved up their wedding date from June 1977 because the winters were pretty cold in Bazine in Western Kansas.

Gilner coached volleyball in Bazine, as well as football, baseball and basketball at various times in Tonganoxie. He also coached baseball at varying levels in the summers.

The Gilners also periodically counsel engaged couples in the Kansas and Missouri Catholic archdiocese through Engaged Encounter Weekends.

In his spare time, Gilner likes to watch old Western and war movies. He also relishes watching the stars from the hot tub in his back yard.

“We really, really enjoy our life in Tonganoxie,” Gilner said. “This is our home.”