Chris Eugene Gartner, 57, of Horton, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home, February 2, 2025. Chris had been fighting a battle with cancer since May 2021 and he did so with courage and grace.
Chris is now standing in the sun, he fought the fight, his race is run and his pain is all a million miles away.
Chris was born December 17, 1967, at Axtell, Kansas, the youngest of eight children born to Ray and Lita Sue (Chandler) Gartner. Chris grew up in Oneida, Kansas, attending school in Bern, Kansas, prior to moving to Hiawatha, Kansas in 1984. Chris then attended Hiawatha High School, graduating with the class of 1987. Chris was employed at Crosswind Industries (ADM) in Hiawatha, Kansas until July 2021, when his illness prevented him to work.
Chris married Teresa Blanton November 4, 2016 in Falls City, Nebraska.
Chris is survived by his wife Teresa of the home; daughters: Jessica (Zach) Rahe, Emily Gartner, son Connor Gartner, step-children: Katie (Eric) Purvis, Lukas Blanton; step-grandchildren: Joseph, Samantha and Maverick Purvis; sisters Cindy DuBois, Tammy (Tony) Campbell, brother in law William Lowe; in laws: Scott and Patricia Andrews, Rhonda (John) May, Kristie (Richard) Sigle, several nieces, nephews and the family dogs: Bailey, Sassy and Chevy.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Steve Gartner, Kent Gartner, Dan Gartner, Terry Gartner, sister Janice Lowe; brother in laws: David Bauerle and Donald DuBois.
A Celebration of Chris’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Eternal Hope Worship Center in Hiawatha, with Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Oneida Cemetery.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at Church.
