John J Gartner

John Joseph Gartner, 93, of Port Huron, died Friday, October 16, 2026.

He was born June 19, 1933 in Detroit to the late John and Gertrude Gartner. He married Phyllis Houle on October 16, 1954 in Detroit.

John proudly served his country during the Korean War with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950 to 1952, earning the rank of Sergeant. He was a police officer with the City of Detroit for 25 years, retiring in 1979 with the rank of Sergeant. He received several awards for his service. Following his retirement, John worked in sales for 27 years and owned and operated Star Sales until his retirement in 2005. He was a life member of B.P.O.E. Lodge #343 and a member of Moose Lodge #158, Blue Water Aerie #3702 Fraternal Order of Eagles, American Legion Post 7, V.F.W. Charles Schoor Post #796, Knights of Columbus Council #521, Van Maele’s Rod and Gun Club and the Fort Gratiot Lions Club. He enjoyed golfing and hunting.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Phyllis; three sons, Ronald, Richard and Robert Gartner; daughter, Katherine (Greg) Rusch; five grandchildren, Tiffany Gartner, Melissa (David) Marshment, Jonathon (Joshua) Gartner, Thomas John “T.J.” Gartner and Nathan (Brittany) Rusch; seven great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Waldron, Jackson and Colton Marshment, Olivia and Elijah Gartner and Avery and Raelynn Rusch; sister, Susan (Bill) Graessle; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two grandsons, Matthew Gartner and Nicholas Rusch; and two siblings, Herbert (Valentine) Gartner and Betty (Marv) Ewen.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Holy Trinity Parish St. Stephen Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Reverend Brad Forintos will officiate. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Marine Corps and the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard.

Inurnment will be in the Allied Veterans Cemetery Columbarium, Port Huron.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Clair County Veterans Council. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com