Gartner, Dennis Wayne was truly a one of kind person who will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. He had a big personality and a zest for life that made a positive impression on virtually everyone he met. He was an amazing father, grandfather, role model and mentor. He was an unrelenting and remarkable care giver and husband, a thoughtful and caring friend, a fearless adventurer, and an overall badass. His story began March 9th, 1939 in Detroit, MI born to parents Walter and Vivian Gartner. The family moved to Brainerd, MN where he lived until graduating from Brainerd High School in 1957. He spent his time working hard at his father's meat locker plant, laundry, and various other businesses. Around 14 years old, he discovered a love for boats, a love for water skiing, and "the love of his life," Deanna. To be Dee's boyfriend, he quickly realized that he had to discover a love for snow skiing too! Dennis and Deanna moved to Minneapolis to go to college. While attending the University of Minnesota, he enrolled in the Naval ROTC program. He was offered an appointment to the US Naval Academy after earning the top score among all midshipmen on a summer cruise in the North Atlantic. Much to the dismay of the commanding officer, he declined the appointment as he could not bear the thought of being separated from Dee for four years! In 1961, he married Deanna and they made Minneapolis their home. This is when his (and Dee's) love of water skiing really took off. After work each night, they spent many hours on Bald Eagle Lake slalom, trick and barefoot water skiing. They participated in Minnesota Aquatennial water ski shows and he earned several Minnesota State Tournament trophies throughout the years. Denny loved his family and he spent virtually all his free time with them. He took them on many adventures including annual ski trips to Colorado, camping and fishing trips to Northern MN, Canada, and Lake Superior, and virtually every other weekend was spent at Pelican Lake. He began his career at Honeywell as a draftsman but his charismatic personality was a perfect match for sales. After winning top sales awards in the corporate world, he accepted a position with a former manager to help grow an electrical manufacturers rep firm, ECS. He eventually bought out the retiring founder and successfully grew the business until his retirement in 2000. He was a true adventurer charting his own course on many voyages through the Great Lakes, the Eastern Seaboard, the Bahamas and the Florida Keys At 65 years old, after injuring his knee while skiing, he could not stand to sit idly so he promptly took flying lessons at the Eagle, CO airport. His flying expeditions included a float plane trip to the Artic Circle, a tour of Alaska, multiple fishing trips to Canada and transcontinental excursions. However, his most amazing achievement was his unrelenting devotion and effort to care for Dee through 15+ years as her Alzheimer's disease progressively worsened. Dad, as your children, we are thankful for the values that you instilled in us. Your generosity, kindness, devotion to family, work ethic, leadership, and zest for life was admirable; and rest assured, we will do our best to uphold these values and teach them to our children and grandchildren. We love you, dad! The family would like to give a special heartfelt thanks to Dave and Cathy Anderson, Mike and Irene Linn, and the entire Kemp/Gish family for their love and unwavering support of Denny and Dee through many difficult years, and to Mimi Swanson who was a special friend and partner to Denny through the last few years of his life. Preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Vivian Gartner, and his 3 brothers, Scout, Richard and Gary; survived by his wife Deanna Gartner and their two children: Kristi (Craig) Weinstock and David (Susan) Gartner; five grandchildren, Taylor (Garrett) Nordling, Parker (Allie) Weinstock, Madison (Taylor) Stemler, Marlee Gartner (husband to be, Drew Benson), Piper Gartner, and 1st great grandchild, "Baby Nordling" on the way. In lieu of flowers we ask that you donate to the Alzheimer's Association in the name of Deanna Gartner. The celebration of life will be held December 29, 2021 at Central Lutheran Church, 333 S. 12th St., Minneapolis, MN 55404. Visitation from 10am-11am, service at 11am. The service will also be available through live streaming at centralmpls.org. Parking will be validated if you park in the flat parking lot next to the ramp.

Published on December 17, 2021