Cover photo for Gene Artner's Obituary
Gene Artner Profile Photo
1934 Gene 2024

Gene Artner

June 23, 1934 — July 2, 2024

Eugene “Gene” Richard Artner, age 90, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at Good Samaritan Society in Mountain Lake, MN with his wife by his bedside.

Gene was born on June 23, 1934 in Comfrey, MN to Joseph and Violet (Tucker) Artner. His family moved to rural Iowa when he was a young boy. There at the age of 12, he entered an essay contest where he won a pony which he named Buster. Gene offered rides on his new pony to all the young children in town. He graduated from Ringsted High School in Iowa in 1952.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1956-1957. He was stationed on a supply ship in the Asia-Pacific region as a seaman. After completing his tour, he returned to Minnesota.

Upon returning to Minnesota, Gene worked at a filling station and then the Butterfield GTA Elevator before working for United Parcel Service. Over his 21 years in the Fairmont area, he became a familiar face to the various neighborhoods and businesses to whom he delivered packages. Every day he enjoyed a hearty 2-piece chicken dinner with mashed potatoes from Kentucky Fried Chicken as he preferred a hot lunch.

Gene was united in marriage to Carla Ann Bohm on July 15, 1961. Together, they made their home in Butterfield, MN and were blessed with two children, Alan and Amy. He was extremely proud of his two grandchildren, Jessica and Isaac, and looked forward to every visit with them. Carla and he especially loved having the grandchildren stay with them during summer vacations.

Gene took an interest in a variety of hobbies including fishing, model trains and cars, paint by numbers, and woodworking. His attention to detail was evident in his meticulous craftsmanship. He especially enjoyed operating his model trains for his grandchildren on the extensive train layout he built in his basement. Gene also enjoyed playing cards, though bad luck and bad cards followed him from chair to chair. Gene and Carla spent countless hours on the golf course; his love for the sport was passed on to his son and grandson. Gene was a devoted Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves fan. His family will always remember his fondness for ice cream, chocolate and other sweets.

Gene touched many with his wit, generosity, bigger-than-life attitude, his many quotable expressions, and most of all, his warm and kind heart.

Gene’s memory will be cherished by his wife of 62 years, Carla Artner of Butterfield, MN; son, Alan Artner (Lori) of St. Cloud, MN and daughter, Amy Denn of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Jessica Denn of Mankato, MN and Isaac Denn-Diaz (Gabriela) of West St. Paul, MN; sisters, Lola Johnson of St. James, MN and Patricia White of Newberg, OR.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Darlene Artner; brothers-in-law, Robert Johnson and Spencer White; father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Hazel Bohm.

The family of Gene would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Society for their love, comfort and care given to Gene (dad/papa) and the entire family.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Gene’s life at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Darfur, MN on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will take place at the church prior to the service from 10:00 am - 11:00 am.

The clergy will be Rev. Jim Renz. A private interment will be at the Butterfield City Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Mountain Lake.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.



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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, July 19, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 am

St. John's Lutheran Church-Darfur

, Darfur, MN 56120

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Memorial Service

Friday, July 19, 2024

Starts at 11:00 am

St. John's Lutheran Church-Darfur

, Darfur, MN 56120

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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