Joseph Patrick Gartner's Obituary
GARTNER – Joseph Patrick, devoted husband of Patricia and loving father of Kathy, Terri and Joe passed away peacefully in Port Charlotte, FL at 80 years of age on December 26th, 2013. Joe was dearly loved by family and friends and was known for his passion for being active, his sense of humor and his generosity.Joseph was born on August 16, 1933 to Joseph and Catherine Gartner in Kernei, Yugoslavia, as one of four children whose ancestors originally emigrated from Germany. In 1946 he settled in Chicago with his parents and siblings, Catherine, Barbara and John. In 1952 he met the love of his life, Patricia Hoppa, who would marry him in 1955 and be his devoted partner for over 60 years. He completed his education in trade school and went on to build a successful business that would provide a comfortable life for his family and ensure a satisfying retirement for he and Patricia. In 1997 Joseph and Patricia relocated to the gulf coast of Florida, where they have enjoyed more leisure time with family and friends.Joseph was known for his active nature and was always surrounded by people. Over his lifetime, he took on many challenges and was known as a fighter, beginning with his internment in a Red Army camp as an adolescent, continuing as he immigrated to the United States and adjusted to the new language and culture and finally in his battle with cancer. Throughout all, his sense of humor never flagged. His zest for life and everything he did was applied to a wide variety of interests; soccer, tennis, riding motorcycles, automobiles, home repairs and culinary arts. He truly loved the life he built; morning chats with his son, bike rides, working around the house and yard, cooking, entertaining friends and spending his days with Patricia.Joseph is survived by his wife Patricia, eldest daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Mark McTigue, grandchildren Michael and Kaitlin McTigue, all of New York, NY, daughter Terri Beverley, of Dallas, Texas, grandchildren Alaina Jones, Austin and Cristin Beverley of Austin, Texas, grandson Brent Beverley of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Emilee Gartner and grandsons Joey and Mathew Gartner of Port Charlotte, Florida and great granddaughters Hayden and Berkley Jones of Austin, Texas.Arrangements are made by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Crematory. A memorial service is pending. Please visit www.legacy.com to leave the family condolences and sign the online guest book. Memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice at tidewell.org, or 1144 Veronica St, Port Charlotte.
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