Joseph R. Gartner

Joseph R. Gartner, 84, of Willington, beloved husband of Vivian (Kettner) Gartner for 55 wonderful years, died June 10, 2015 at Hartford Hospital. He was born in Chicago, Ill., son of the late Joseph & Barbara (Meckl) Gartner. After attending Lane Technical High School, he worked as a tool and die maker, and decided to pursue his interest in engineering. After earning a degree at the University of Illinois, he continued to study at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He then joined the faculty at the University of Connecticut where he was a professor of Mechanical Engineering until his retirement in 1989. Joseph and his wife traveled extensively and particularly enjoyed exploring the small towns of Europe. He enjoyed woodworking and was a master craftsman. Besides his wife, he is survived by his beloved daughter, Kathryn Mikel and her husband, Arka Mikel, of Willington, and a son, Kenneth Gartner and his wife Joanne Briana-Gartner of Falmouth, MA. He also leaves 6 grandchildren: Joanna and Michael Mikel, and Caleb, Henry, Silas and Nathaniel Gartner. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Wanzung. He was always willing to help a friend or neighbor with a project of any kind. Joseph will be missed by many. Memorial contributions may be made to the Willington Fire Dept. No. 1, P.O. Box 161, Willington, CT 06279. Services will be private. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com.