Arlo Walter Gertner, age 80 years, 1 month and 23 days of Westbrook, passed away Friday, February 2, 2018 at Ava’s House Hospice in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 9 at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church Friday. Interment will be in the Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery-Rosehill Township at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Windom Area Chordhustlers or Westbrook Lions. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Arlo Walter Gertner was born December 10, 1937 to Gustav and Anna (Wolter) Gertner in Windom, MN. Arlo was raised on the Family farm in Rosehill Township south of Westbrook, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Arlo graduated from Westbrook High School in 1955. He graduated from Waldorf College, Mankato Business College and Jackson Vo-Tech. He was a hobby and dairy farmer, worked at Fingerhut and repaired appliances (and just about anything else) during his life. On September 1, 1959, he married his college sweetheart Karyl Lindorff in Mankato, MN. They lived in Rosehill Township, where they raised their 5 children. They enjoyed farm life together milking cows and raising all kinds of animals and fowl. Arlo was a singer, he was a tenor with the Windom Area Chordhustlers Barbershop chorus for over 40 years, sang in church choir and the Joyful Sound. He was a township treasurer and in the Lions Club. During his life he enjoyed bowling league, auctions, camping, riding horse and buggy, fishing, hatching eggs, watching Vikings and the Twins games.
Arlo loved his wife and children. He is survived by his wife of 58 years and 5 months Karyl Karmen; children: Kim Kaveney (Pat), Cleveland, MN, their children Nick and Katie Kaveney. Karla Schutz (Tom), Prior Lake, MN, their children: Kaylan Johnson (Matt), great grandchildren Kenley and Karter Johnson; Jacob (Andrea) Schutz; Jordan (Anna) Schutz. Kami Kurtenbach (Reece), Brookings, SD, their children: Kalli, Kariah, Kirstie and Kinsey Kurtenbach. Garth Gertner (Gina), Prior Lake, MN, their children: Zachary and Kaia Gertner. Kari Klepper (Mark), Pflugerville, TX, their children: Jace, Kamryn and Kassidy Klepper. Survived by siblings Darwin Gertner (Dorothy), St. Peter, MN, Elroy Gertner (Dot), Papillion, NE, Mardella Olson (Bob), Dovray, MN and Corlys Knudson (Bob), Marshall, MN; sisters-in-law: Janice Gertner, Walnut Grove, MN, Betty Gertner, Altoona, WI, Karen Reedstrom, Horseshoe Bend, AR; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Rodney Gertner and Willis Gertner, brother-in-law Don Reedstrom, and sister-in-law Doreen Gertner.
Sincere sympathy to all the family, thinking of you Karyl.
Our sympathy goes out to your entire family.
Karyl & Arlo were my Luther League advisors, what great mentors they were. I was also a tenor in the church choir, so I tried to be as close to Arlo when singing as I was not a good reader of music notes, he was fabulous! Our Deepest Sympathy Kayrl & family on your loss.
Roger always enjoyed singing with Arlo in high school. He had a great voice. Roger and I want to send our sympathy to Karyl and the family. Blessed be his memory! Roger and Sharon Klasse
Sincere sympathy to Karyl and all of Arlo’s family. I was his classmate both at Westbrook High School (class of ’55) and Waldorf College (class of ’57). Arlo was always an inspiration to others. He had a positive attitude in spite of lifelong challenges resulting from polio as a child. What a great sense of humor he had. His quick wit and unique sayings always kept others laughing and entertained. He had a beautiful tenor voice and shared his talent willingly and joyfully.
Arlo and Karyl raised five wonderful, talented children, and I know Arlo was always proud of them. He enriched
the lives of his family, and all with whom he came in contact. He is now singing with the angels, and maybe even making them laugh. Love and prayers, Eunie
Kami and family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts. John and Jody Owen
My heart is breaking at the loss of this incredibly kind and gentle man. Arlo and I were tenors in the chordhustlers and shared many great memories together. I will miss him greatly and my deepest and sincerest condolences to the family of Arlo.
I’m honored to call Arlo a dear friend. Singing with him in the Chordhustlers all those years was a joy. Blessed be his memory and our sympathy to Karyl and the family. His smile was contagious.
Karyl and family-
We’re so sorry for your loss and pray that’s God’s peace will give you comfort during this difficult time.
Ann (Rachuy) and Mike Tighe
Hello,
I knew Arlo and Karyl when I was about 12-13 (1992-1993) I was one of their foster children. My name is Paul Wiens. I do not know if they remember me but I remember them. I am very for the lose of Arlo.
Hello I’m sop sorry my be Mark Anthony Fuentes. I was a.foster child of arlo and Karol Gartner. I loved this man wit all my heart he showed me alot in life I was wishing to reconnect with him..sorry I’m late .may u rest now.
Love u to the moon. And back