Harold "Duane" Gartzke

Harold Duane Gartzke, 78, of Blue Earth, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, December 6, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Blue Earth. Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Private family burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery.

Duane was born on July 24, 1941 in Blue Earth, MN to Harold and Alice (Skogen) Gartzke. He was baptized on September 4, 1941 and confirmed May 13, 1956. Duane was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He graduated from Blue Earth High School in 1959. On April 6, 1962, Duane married Bonnie Willmert in Frost, MN. The couple made their home in Blue Earth.  Duane worked at Gartzke’s Blue Earth Greenhouse for 51 years, 34 of which he was owner and operator with his wife, Bonnie.

Duane was a member of the Blue Earth Lion’s Club, and served as a firefighter on the Blue Earth Fire Department for 23 years.

Duane enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, morning coffee at the senior center, Wednesday poker with his buddies, 4:00 get-togethers in the driveway with their neighbors, and rooting for the MN Twins and the Golden Gophers. He loved dogs and nature.

Above all else, Duane loved and dedicated his life to his family.  Whether it be spending time at the family Cottage at Boyd Lodge or being a faithful follower of all of his Grandkid’s various activities, Duane was happiest when he was with his family.  There are no words to express how much he was loved, and how much he will be missed.

Duane is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bonnie; children, Shannon (Rick) Dickman of Blue Earth, Shelly (Ken) Kain of Mapleton, and Mitchell (Amy) Gartzke of Mankato; sister, Eileen (Butch) Mensing of Blue Earth; grandchildren, Mary (Nick) Fiel, Morgan Dickman, Samuel Kain, Katherine Kain, Griffin Gartzke, and August “Gus” Gartzke; great-granddaughter, Jazmyn Fiel; and many more beloved family and friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Alice Gartzke, and in-laws, Ronnie and Gladys Willmert.