Joseph Norbert Gartner, 82, of Claremont, died Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Prairie Meadows Senior Living in Kasson, Minnesota after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. Joseph was born April 25, 1934 in Mapleton, Minnesota the son of Francis and Flossie (Chandler) Gartner. He graduated from Loyola Catholic School in Mankato. Following graduation, he moved with his family to Claremont. Joseph was drafted into the United States Army and served two years during the Korean War. He married Rachel Massey on July 11, 1959 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Claremont. They moved to Josephs' family farm where they farmed and resided for 55 years. In 2014, they moved to Prairie Meadows Senior Living in Kasson. Joseph served on the Claremont School Board, Claremont Township Board, and as church trustee at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and reading. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Gartner of Kasson; son, Dan (Kimberly) Gartner of Houston, TX, Kelly (Al) Peterson of Mankato, and Rhonda, (Fred) Foster of Cannon Falls; ten grandchildren, Carson, Connor, and Chandler Gartner, Courtney and Taylor Peterson, Ryan and Grace Foster, and Nathan, Justin, and Sarah Gartner; one great grandchild, Michael Kaehler. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, James; and brother, Robert. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna on Monday, November 28, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Claremont with Reverend Thomas Niehaus officiating. Interment will be in the St. Francis de Sales Cemetery in Claremont with full military honors conducted by the Claremont Honor Guard. Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Society, or donor's choice. Visitation: 11/28/2016 16:00 11/28/2016 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church 11/29/2016 10:30