Rueben Gartmann

Rueben "Mike" F. Gartmann, age 83, of Merrill, passed away at his home on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. He was born October 25, 1929 in Merrill to the late August & Anna (Passehl) Gartmann. He and Nancy English were united in marriage on May 7, 1955 in Merrill. She survives. Rueben attended Elm City Elementary School in the town of Harrison. As a teenager he worked at a sawmill and did excavation work for Bruno Schulz. Rueben enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant earning the Korean Service Medal and 2 Bronze Stars. When he returned to the states he went back to his excavation work. In 1956 Rueben went to work for the city of Merrill as a heavy equipment operator. He retired in 1989. Rueben was a member of Christ United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees. He loved woodworking, gardening, doing carpentry work and being outdoors. Survivors include his wife: Nancy Gartmann, Merrill; three daughters: Debra (Jim) Waters, Huntley, IL, Susan (Brandon) Sternot, Merrill, and Rebecca Gartmann, Merrill; three sons: Michael Gartmann, Gary (Kitty) Gartmann and Mark (Jan) Gartmann, all of Merrill; one sister: Stella Hawkins, FL; 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and six sisters. Per Rueben's request, a private family service will be held. Rev. Donald Entenman will officiate. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.

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