L. Thomas Gartner

L. Thomas "Tom" Gartner Jr., age 80, of Excelsior, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2025. 

Born on September 17, 1944, Tom was a man whose strength, wisdom, and unwavering support profoundly impacted the lives of many. His life was a source of inspiration.

He began his education at Our Lady of Grace, attended high school at St. Thomas Military Academy, undergraduate studies at Notre Dame, and graduate school at Stanford.

Dad’s story of success starts from the early death of his father from cancer when he was a sophomore in high school. This life experience motivated him to step up to help his mother and sister.  He paid his own way through St Thomas Military Academy, Notre Dame and graduate school at Stanford.  He excelled in both school and work, and he lived knowing the importance of focusing on what truly matters. His perseverance, dedication, and balance of enjoying life through experiences will live on as his influence continues with his family.

After grad school he went to General Mills and rose through the ranks, eventually leading to one of his proudest accomplishments, serving on the marketing team that brought Yoplait Yogurt from France.  He later moved on to Pillsbury, and private consulting where he worked for many clients including Allied Signal, and Microsoft in Munich, Germany. 

One of the most valuable lessons he imparted was the balance between acquiring possessions and enjoying life through experiences. Tom’s strength, wisdom, and support lives on strongly, influencing the way his family approaches life and priorities. 

He treasured hunting and fishing trips, boating with friends and family on Lake Minnetonka, international travel, and scuba diving in Grand Cayman.  He enjoyed lifetime friendships with his brothers and sisters-in-law, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.  He was also an active golf member with many cherished friends at The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis, and Tradition in La Quinta, California. 

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Predeceased by his parents, Larry and Ann; sister-in-law, Patty Ryan Kamman; and brother-in-law, Richard Hannibal. 

He is survived by his wife, Jessica; son, Tom; daughter-in-law, Allison; grandchildren, Tom IV, Mackenzie, Emma, and William; his sister, Margaret; and her children Anne, John, and Pat.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 14, 2025, at St. Therese of Deephaven, located at 18232 Minnetonka Blvd, Deephaven, Minnesota. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Notre Dame or a charity of your choosing are preferred.