Clair Allen Gartner passed away October 14, 2018, at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.
Clair was born April 30, 1930, to Joseph and Ethel (Purvis) Gartner in rural Chatfield. In 1944 the family moved to rural Preston. He graduated from Preston High School in 1948. He married Marian Danielson February 17, 1952 in Cocoa, Fla.
In January 1949 he enlisted in the Army Air Force, which turned into the United States Air Force in 1952. He had three overseas tours, seven stateside bases. He started in food services and then went to school to be an air traffic controller.Most of the time he worked as a control tower operator. He retired from the Air Force in January 1969 with the rank of E7.
Clair worked for Tuohy Furniture and Rainmaker Realty, He was one of the first crew of the Chatfield Ambulance. He served for five years. In 1980 he bought out the Big A Auto Parts Store and operated it for 12 years. He sold out and worked at Chosen Valley Golf Pro Shop for about 10 years.
He was a member of the American Legion in Preston and was a life member of the Chatfield VFW, where he served on the Color Guard.
Clair looked forward to the annual fishing trip to Silver Rapids Lodge in Ely every year. He also enjoyed going to car auctions with his son Neal.
Clair was preceded in death by his parents, brother Keith (Donna) Gartner, and sister Marietta Fjerstad.
Clair is survived by his wife Marian of 66 years; sons Norman (Sharon) Gartner and Neal (Carmen) Gartner, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren. and brother-in-law Glen Fjerstad.
The funeral service for Clair will be 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2018, at the Chatfield United Methodist Church, 124 Winona St. SE. The committal service will follow at Chatfield Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by Chatfield – VFW Giese Kelsey Post 6913.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield. Visitation will continue on Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.
Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a condolence with the family please visit www.rileyfuneralhomes.com.