James J. Gartner
James J. Gartner, age 85, of Olivia, MN passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at the Olivia Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, March 23, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church with Rev. Joe Steinbeisser as celebrant. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Renville County Hospice and Disabled American Veterans of Hutchinson. Arrangements are by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia.
James Joseph Gartner was born on September 29, 1938, at his family’s home in Kingman Township, Olivia, Minnesota. He was the son of Anton Sr. and Theresa (Mueller) Gartner. Jim was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia, Minnesota. He received his education at Country School District 117, Olivia, Minnesota and St. Mary’s High School in Bird Island, Minnesota. Jim spent 6 years in the Minnesota National Guard unit of Olivia overseeing the armor and was honorably discharged in 1962 rank Spec 5.
On August 26, 1961, Jim was united in marriage to Marilyn J. Moreman at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. This marriage was blessed with four children: Pamela, Paul, Margaret, and Michele. Jim and Marilyn shared 62 years of marriage most of which while residing on their farm north of Olivia. Jim was most recently a resident receiving care at Olivia Restorative Therapy and Nursing.
Jim was a farmer. He loved farming and farm life. He was a 4-H leader and softball coach for the Kingman Ramblers 4-H Club. He also served on the Olivia Farmers Elevator board. Jim enjoyed playing cards, watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, fishing and hunting (deer and pheasants) and in recent years, enjoying warm afternoons sitting outdoors visiting with family and friends, driving around the countryside “checking the crops”, DQ strawberry shakes (NO whip), and visits with his great-grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife Marilyn; children: Pam (Tim) Robinson of Hutchinson, MN, Paul (Dawn) Gartner of Olivia, MN, Margaret Gartner of Willmar, MN, and Michele Gartner, North Fort Myers, FL; grandchildren: Cassandra (Scott) Hammond, Lindsay (Alonzo) Azoca, Breanne Tasche, Craig (Makenzie) Gartner, Bryce (Kassie) Steffel, Bret (Christie) Steffel, Kirby (Morgan) TeBrake, and Dylan Tebrake; great-grandchildren: Hank, Luke, Amelia, Violet, Paxton, Alana, Harrison, Juddson, Maren, Tavia, Tianna, Bowen, Ivy and Sienna; sister, Anna Haen of Renville, MN; sisters-in-law, Ruth Gartner of Olivia, MN and Eleanor Gartner of Longwood, FL; as well as many nieces and nephews and their extended families. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Anton Sr. and Theresa Gartner; and brothers: Matthew, Anton Jr., Andrew, Joseph, George and John.
Blessed Be His Memory
