William Joseph Gartner

PHOENIX – It is with saddened and heavy hearts that the family of William Joseph Gartner, 78, of Phoenix, AZ announces his passing Saturday, August 1, 2020. He was born in Rock Falls, IL on March 2, 1942 to Leonard and Dorothy (Little). Will graduated in 1959 from Newman Central Catholic High School in Sterling, IL and Lewis University in Lockport, IL in 1963 with a BS in Chemistry and Physics.

Will is survived by his wife of 28 years, Jennifer (Farrell); daughters Katie Custodio (Larry) of Basalt, CO; Kim of Scottsdale, AZ; Andrea Black of Mesa, AZ; Greer of Phoenix, AZ; and son, Ben of Phoenix, AZ; his grandchildren Gunnar Black, Kody Black, Kelsey Black, Carmen Custodio and Lauren Custodio.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Susan (Nicol) of Sterling, IL; brothers Jim of Chicago, IL, Thom of Rockford, IL and sister-inlaw Mary Anne.

His family and friends remember Will as a man of many talents; an educator, avid golfer, voracious reader and fisherman. Will absolutely loved going to the movies, and he’d always comment on the popcorn with “that’s a good batch”. We will miss his fun-loving nature, sense of humor, keen intelligence, kind personality and sense of curiosity.

A memorial will be held later due to the current conditions. In lieu of flowers; please consider a donation to Montessori Academy William J. Gartner Science Fair at 6050 N. Invergordon Road, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 (480-945-1145).