August "Gus" Junior Gartner, 86, of Galena, IL, died in his home from complications of Esophageal Cancer on November 24, 2012. Gus was the patriarch of a very close family, so it was a blessing that he had the priviledge of saying "goodbye" to all of his immediate family members in his last few days, including a grandson who is currently serving with the South Carolina National Guard in Kosovo, with whom he conversed with via Skype. Now Gus has gone on to join the family of his Lord Jesus in the life after this one.

Funeral Services will be at 10 A/M, Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church, Galena, IL with Rev. Jim McCrea officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood, Galena.

Friends may call from 4 P/M to 7 P/M, Friday, November 30, 2012 at the Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, Galena, IL and after 9 A/M on Saturday at the church.

Gus was born on October 11, 1926 in Highland, IL, the son of August and Cordelia Gartner. Gus had a younger sister, Mary Ann, who died at age four and another sibling who was stillborn. Perhaps he was able to pull through these tragedies due to the great faith that so deeply enriched the rest of his life.

While attending Edwardsville High School, he met Lola Mae Etzkorn, who would prove to be the love of his life. He enlisted in the Navy in 1944 and served until 1946 on the USS Fechterler. Then he and Lola were married August 29, 1948 at the Eden Evangelical Church in Edwardsville, IL. It was a strong bond that would provide each of them such love and support that in the minds of many people, the phrase "Gus and Lola" would become a singular word.

Gus received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1950 and went on to earn a Masters degree in Industrial Management in 1963 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Gus had a 33 year career at Illinois Bell Telephone, working his way up from line repairman to Assistant Vice-President before retiring. Then Gus and Lola moved to Galena, where they lived the past 25 years.

Gus was very active in his home churches all his life, including serving as Superintendent for a Sunday school of 1,400 people in Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest, IL. Since joining the First Presbyterian Church of Galena, he has served in far too many capacities to count. However, among them were Elder, Chaiperson of the Trustees, choir member and a regular part of the Presbyterian Men's Breakfast. He also served three terms as President of the United Churches of Galena and was that board's Treasurer up to the month of his death.

Gus enjoyed music and played saxophone in the Galena Community Band until 2011. He was also gifted at watercolor painting and writing humorous verse. But most of all, he took pleasure from traveling and especially spending time with his family.

Many years ago, the Faith United Protestant Church honored Gus during which a biography was printed that was entitled "A quiet man of faith." Perhaps no other description fit him better than that. He was constantly sustained by his faith and he chose to live it every day.

He is survived by his wife, Lola; daughters, Nancy (Loren) Miller, Pickett, WI, and Diane (John) Boley, Kalamazoo, MI; a son, Warren (Karen) Gartner, Carmel, IN; seven grandchildren, Colleen (Scott), Elizabeth, Rob (Emma) Ian, John, James, Hannah; and three great-grandchildren, Caleb, Lilly, and Josiah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Mary Ann.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to go to either the First Presbyterian Church of Galena or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.