Terry Gartner, of Minneapolis, KS, met the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 28, 2025. At age 85, he passed away at home with family by his side and peacefully entered God’s Kingdom.
Terry was born December 1, 1939, in Cedar Rapids, IA to Donald and Viola Gartner. He graduated from Minneapolis High School in 1958 before attending San Bernardino College in California and the University of Nebraska School of Architecture in Lincoln, NE.
He married Francie (Midge) Istas on June 3, 1961, and they made Nebraska their home for 24 years. Terry worked for various architectural firms in Lincoln, Omaha, and McCook as a registered architect. In 1985, they moved to Minneapolis, KS, where he worked for Max Bishop and Associates until the closing of that firm. He retired from Wilson and Company in 2007. After retiring, he still enjoyed drawing house plans for general contractors and individuals. He was proud of his successful career as an architect for 37 years. Terry was a member of the American Institute of Architects, The Knights of Columbus, and the Minneapolis Lion’s Club.
Terry had a love for astronomy, bird watching, and animals of all kinds, especially his cats. He loved his family with his whole heart and never met a stranger. He kept his family entertained with so many silly, made-up names and stories! He truly loved life.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, and their three children: Lori (Bob) Petersen of Bennington, NE; Shelly (Kyle) Coleman of Salina, KS; and Kevin (Shay) Gartner of Central City, NE. Grandchildren include Kyler (Chelsea) Gartner of Houston, TX; Adam Schmitt of Omaha, NE; Kailee (Patrick) Luddy of London, England; Connor Gartner and Chase Gartner, both of York, NE. Step-granddaughter Melissa (Jason) Smith, great-step-granddaughters Abigail and Emily Smith, all of Wahoo, NE also survive him. Additional survivors include his brothers Donald (Carole) Gartner of Carmel, IN, and Dennis (Tina) Gartner of Lincoln, NE; his sister Cindy (Steve) George of Lincoln, NE; his sister-in-law Nancy Muehl of Valley, NE; as well as many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Buck and LaVada Istas; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Sue Weiland; brother-in-law Michael Muehl; niece Christina Frechette; and nephew Eric Barnett.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, October 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Minneapolis, KS. Visitation will be Thursday, October 2, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Wilson Family Funeral Home, followed by a rosary and prayer vigil. Burial will take place in Highland Cemetery, Minneapolis, KS.
Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Church or to Gentiva Hospice in Salina, KS, and may be left in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O, Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.