Joseph Norbert Gartner, 82, Claremont

Joseph Norbert Gartner, 82, of Claremont, Minn., died Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 at Prairie Meadows Senior Living in Kasson, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.
Joseph was born April 25, 1934 in Mapleton, Minn., the son of Francis and Flossie (Chandler) Gartner.  He graduated from Loyola Catholic School in Mankato, Minn. Following graduation, he moved with his family to Claremont. Joseph was drafted into the United States Army, serving two years in the Korean War. He married Rachel Massey on July 11, 1959 at St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church in Claremont. They moved to Joseph’s family farm where they farmed and resided for 55 years. They moved to Prairie Meadows Senior Living in Kasson in 2014.
Joseph served on the Claremont School Board, Claremont Township Board, and as church trustee at St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and reading. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. 
He is survived by his wife, Rachel Gartner of Kasson; son, Dan (Kimberly) Gartner of Houston, Texas, Kelly (Al) Peterson of Mankato, and Rhonda, (Fred) Foster of Cannon Falls, Minn.; ten grandchildren, Carson, Connor, and Chandler Gartner, Courtney and Taylor Peterson, Ryan and Grace Foster, and Nathan, Justin, and Sarah Gartner; one great grandchild, Michael Kaehler.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, James; and brother, Robert.
A Funeral Mass was held Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Frances de Sales Catholic Church in Claremont with Reverend Thomas Niehaus officiating.  Interment was in the St. Frances de Sales Cemetery in Claremont with full military honors conducted by the Claremont Honor Guard.  Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society, or donor’s choice.