Larry E. Gartner, 81, of Lawrenceville, IL, passed away Friday October 16, 2026, at 12:34 AM at the Good Samaritan Hospital with his family at his bedside. Larry was born on January 9, 1945, in Vincennes, IN the son of Don and Dorothy (Frey) Gartner. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and was a lifelong farmer. His love of the land led him to pioneer and promote no till farming, and he was one of the more progressive farmers in the area. He was always looking for ways to improve his methods of farming to preserve the land he loved. He asked Emma Primus to prom at Central Catholic/St. Rose in 1962, and they were married on August 1, 1964. They bought a piece of land in Lawrenceville IL complete with crops in field, an Oliver 1850 and a six-bottom plow. They made something together and danced through life on that farm for over 62 years with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren ever present. Larry was a member of St. John Catholic Church/St. Francis Xavier, he was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and was active in various farming endeavors.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Emma Gartner, their children, Tim (Theresa) Gartner of Vincennes, Bill (Anne) Gartner of Lawrenceville, IL, Angie (Jeff) Bottoms of Lawrenceville, IL, Nicole (Chris) Dickerson of Champaign, IL, Jeanette (Jeremy) McGavic of Speedway, IN. his beloved grandchildren, Nick (Paige) Gartner, Chris Gartner, Emily Gartner, Erin Gartner, Abby Gartner, Zach Bottoms, Ben Dickerson, Ava Dickerson, Emma McGavic and Jolene McGavic, his great grandchildren, Riggs Gartner and Colson Gartner. He is also survived by a brother, Ron (Lib) Gartner of Vincennes, IN, sisters, Mary Kay (Kenneth) Yotz of Geneva, IL, Carol (James) Henke of Vincennes, IN, Brothers and Sisters in Law, Sonny(Sandy) Primus of Vincennes, IN, Merle (Eileen) Halter of North Platte, NE and Randy (Debbie) Halter of Ormond Beach, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Dorothy Gartner, a sister, Laurie Ann Gartner, his mother and father in law, Meinrad and Ruth Primus and a sister and brother in law, Wilma and Larry Petty.

Larry lived his faith by being a good Christian and he enjoyed playing pranks on his loved ones and giving gifts to those least expecting it.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate his life will be held on October 24, 2026 at St. John Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Fr. Tony Ernst officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 AM to the time of services at St. John Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions can be made to Christian Education Foundation to support continued scholarships that Larry took such pride in or the donor’s Charity of Choice. Duesterberg-Fredrick Funeral Home is honored to assist Larry’s Family during their time of loss.