William Garten

William “Bill” Laurence Garten passed peacefully surrounded by family at age 73 at Harmony House in Brainerd under hospice care on September 5, 2023. Bill was born in Anoka, MN, to Laurence “Larry” and Cecil Garten on April 18, 1950. He is survived by his loving wife, Laura; daughters, Mary Jo Bade of Baxter, Jennifer Blume of Staples; son, Shawn Lesher of Backus; brother, Thomas Garten; and sister, Judith Lawrence. Bill was the proud grandfather of all of his children’s children. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. 

Bill’s early working years, he worked at the local (Pequot Lakes) ice skating rink helping children lace up their skates and serving hot cocoa. In the summer months he would become a 4H rabbit judge traveling to MN county fairs. He then went on to work for the Brainerd Helicopter Service.  Later years were spent working in casinos repairing and setting up machines. 

As Bill aged, he enjoyed going to car shows, auctions, watching TV, tinkering in the garage and working on the hotrod with grandson Kamden and pseudo grandson Will. 
Bill was a friend to everyone he met and always found something to talk about, having the ‘gift of gab’. 

Bill was a pioneer for new medicine and medical methods as he was a part of many studies that helped pave the way for the heart science we see today.

Bill’s family would like to thank all of the doctors and wonderful nursing staff he had the pleasure of meeting on his journey. Thank you to the man who checked the donor box when renewing his license who gave us 3 more precious years of life with Bill. 

A small service will be Friday September 15, 2023, at 1 pm at Kline Funeral Home in Pequot Lakes, all are invited to attend. Burial in Pequot Lakes Cemetery to follow.