William “Billy” Gartner, 78, of Preston, Minn., died on December 29, 2022, at Gundersen Harmony Care Center, where he had resided for the last five years. He had been battling pneumonia the past couple weeks.
Billy was born on August 9, 1944, to George and Thenora (Storlie) Gartner, in Preston, Minn., and lived in the same house for 73 years, until he had a fall, and went to the care center. He worked at his uncle’s grocery store at a young age, and it later became Dahl’s lGA, where he continued to work for over 50 years, and then retired.
Billy loved to go fishing in his free time, and was especially proud of a 26-in. brown trout that he caught, weighing in at 9 ¾ lbs. He enjoyed country music and dancing, watching western movies, watching the birds and squirrels out his window, always had a great sense of humor, and knew what was happening with the weather. He loved getting together with his family, and thoroughly enjoyed eating good food. We sure will miss him.
Billy is survived by sisters Carol Painter, Janice (Curt) Elton, Mary Siem (Bruce Nagel), and Theresa (Owen) Lamb; brothers Paul (Diana) Gartner and Gary Joe Gartner (Karen Laumb); and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother David Gartner.
The family wishes to thank Harmony Care Center for their loving care over these past five years, St. Marys Hospital DOM3, and Pro Medica Hospice for their care in his final days.
Memorial Mass for Billy will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at St. Columban Catholic Church in Preston, Minn., with Father McGrath officiating. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the visitation from 10-11 a.m. at the church Saturday morning. Burial will take place at St. Columbanus Catholic Cemetery in Preston.
Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.