Steven A Gartner

Steven A. Gartner

Steven A. Gartner, 50, of Litchfield, IL passed away April 7, 2016 at 4:00 A.M. at his residence surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born on September 24, 1965 in Springfield, IL, a son of Henry H. Gartner & Karla M. Niemann-Ozella.

Steve graduated from Tri-City High School in Buffalo, IL and graduated from Illinois State University where he earned his Bachelor Degree in Agricultural Business Management.

Steve was a well-known farmer, farming in the Litchfield area for 25 years.

Steve married the former Susan Carter on April 11, 1992 at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, IL and she survives.

Steve was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He was very active in the church and school where he served several terms as chairman of the school board and Board of Discipleship. He also served and was a member of many organizations, including: Montgomery County Public Building Commission during construction of the new court house in Hillsboro, Montgomery County Board, Board of Directors for Litchfield Farmers Grain and Hamel Mutual Insurance Company, Friends of St. Francis Hospital, and the Montgomery County Health Department.

Most importantly, Steve was devoted husband, father, and son. He was an extremely faithful man who was generous with his time and talents. He led by example and was a man of his word. He was an intelligent, hardworking and honest business man who loved grain farming and working with his cattle. He was fun loving and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Some of his favorite times were spent coaching the Zion Flyers softball team to victory and cheering on his beloved Illini.

Along with his loving wife, Susie, he is survived by:

Son,                                                       Nicholas Allen Gartner of Litchfield, IL

Father and Step-mother                     Henry and Mary Gartner of Buffalo, IL

Mother-in-law,                                     Pauline Carter of Litchfield, IL

Step-brother,                                        David (Kelly) Lacy of Rochester, IL

Step-sisters,                                           Kristen (Joe) Kohlrus of Rochester, IL

                                                                Ellen Schoedel of Springfield, IL

                                                                Elizabeth (Justin) Siders of Rochester, IL

13 nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Karla Ozella; grandparents, Herbert and Vernis Niemann & Elmer & Edna Gartner; and father-in-law Richard Carter.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday April 13, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Pastor Fred Kraemer and Pastor Don Langhoff will co-officiate. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 12, 2016 from 3:00 until 8:00 at Litchfield Family Funeral Service in Litchfield, IL. Burial will take place in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Litchfield. The family suggests memorials be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church or the Zion Lutheran School.

Litchfield Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. To view the online obituary and leave condolences, please visit litchfieldffs.com

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