Claude A. Gantner

Claude A. Gantner, 86, Rib Mountain, went to his heavenly home on September 5, 2015. He was born April 7, 1929 in Edgar, son of the late Robert and Dorothy (Schueller) Gantner. He went through the eighth grade at Holy Family Catholic School in Poniatowski at what he called "Poniatowski University". On September 1, 1956 he was united in marriage to Luetta Stencil. They shared almost 50 years of marriage before she preceded him in death. On April 23, 2006 he married Joyce Oertel, who survives. Claude had a full life of working the cement business, raising ginseng, farming and many years of producing maple syrup. With a big and loving heart he was ready to help everyone. His love of Polka music earned him many wonderful friends. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Gantner, Rib Mountain; three sisters, Caroline Witucki, Athens, Lucille Rausch, Athens and Fran Johnsen, Wausau; two sisters-in-law, Joan Gantner, Wausau and Joyce Gantner, Westfield; one brother-in-law, James Frieders, Rib Mountain; many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, and first wife, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Alphonse, Lawrence, Wilfred and Joseph Gantner and two sisters, Germaine Guralski and Mary Jane Frieders. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Thomas Huff will preside. Friends may call Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. A special thanks to niece, Monica Wilde for her special care and help. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com