Charles Paul Gartner, 79, of Topeka, died April 12, 2015 at the Colmery O'Neil VA Medical Center He was born on May 10, 1935 in Topeka, the son of Thomas and Marion (Deghand) Gartner. Charles was a graduate of Hayden High School in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Army and served until 1962. He enjoyed collecting railroad pictures and memorabilia and he donated a portion of his collection to the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. He was an avid walker and enjoyed walking the city on a regular basis. He married Roseann Schettler on October 23, 1965 in Kansas City, Missouri. They later divorced. He is survived by his daughter, Joan (John) Magathan of Meriden, his brothers, Dan Gartner, Ken Gartner, Terry Gartner, all of Topeka, a sister Karen Knox of Wamego, and his grandchildren, Hannah, Liam, Matthew, and Daniel. He was preceded in death by a brother Tom Gartner. Charles will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2015 at the All Faiths Chapel in Building #23 at the Colmery O'Neil VA Medical Center. Please enter the VA through the south Gage Boulevard entrance of the VA Complex. Use parking lot 29 B where a shuttle will transport attendees to the chapel. Interment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post #421 and the Army National Guard flag folding detail. In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made to the VA Hospital for the purpose of the Homeless Program or to the Community Living Center Recreational Fund or to St. Matthew Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603.
