Joseph Gartner

Joseph “Joe” Gartner, 75 of Barnes, WI formerly of Fort Rice and Mandan, passed away October 28, 2025, in Shawnee. KS.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday November 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Church of Corpus Christi, Bismarck, ND with Msgr. Patrick Schumacher, presiding. Interment will be at the Fort Rice Cemetery with full military honors. To view the livestream, please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8rs9ePvX_Y

Joe was born March 15, 1950, in Mandan to Anton and Mary (Bendish) Gartner. He grew up in Fort Rice, ND with his two brothers, Tony and George. He enlisted in the Army on August 31, 1967, at age 17 and was discharged April 2, 1970.

Joe was known for his strong work ethic and his love of the outdoors. He found peace and joy in — fishing, hunting, and camping. One of the things he looked forward to most each year was his paddle fishing trips in Williston with his nephew, Loren — a tradition that reflected his adventurous spirit.

After moving to Wisconsin, he discovered a new favorite pastime: exploring the local trails on his four-wheeler.

Joe is survived by his two daughters, Tammy (Jason) Schafer, Mandan and Kim (Jim) Koenig, Bismarck; their mother, Kathy Heisler, McKenzie; four grandchildren, Brayden (Sofia) Koenig, Aylssa Koenig, Myles Schafer, Owen Schafer; his brother, Tony, Sunnyvale, California; nieces, Anissa Gartner, Lynette Shaw; nephews Chad (Sue) Gartner and Loren Gartner.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brother, George; and sister, Rosemary; Nephew, Paul; and sister-in-law Doris.

In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Western North Dakota Honor Flight PO Box 265 Bismarck, ND 58502, charity/organization of the individuals’ choice or simply honor him by spending time in nature.