Edith E. Gartman

Edith Elaine (Karlson) Gartman, age 85, went home to her Heavenly Father the afternoon of Friday, May 17, 2024.

Edith was born January 10, 1939 to the late Einar and Pearl Karlson. She graduated from Central High School with the Class of 1957. She loved to share stories about her childhood, fun times with her sisters, and adventures with her dear friend, Joyce--particularly their two-week trip to Vegas! She was united in marriage to Leonard Gartman on August 10, 1974. Together they celebrated 38 years together, before he preceded her in death on September 29th, 2012. Edith was so grateful for the life they built on their land on Middle Rd. in the Town of Wilson, and so proud of her sons Michael and Andrew.

Over the years, Edith worked for Leverenz Shoes, Lakeshore Display, and spent many wonderful years in the Deli/ Bakery department of Piggly Wiggly, until her retirement. She enjoyed word searches, Hallmark Movies, QVC (you can never have too many food storage containers!), Frank Sinatra, and holiday traditions.  Edith’s love language was food. She was an excellent cook and baker, and there was nothing she loved more than pouring through cookbooks, watching Food Network, and bringing food to a party! Following Leonard’s death, Edith began a new chapter, where she met friends that are now family. She was so grateful to her very best friends Joe and Mary Glover, and all the time she spent with Betty Jo, Tiny, John and Arlene.

Edith is survived by her sons, Michael (Sarah) and Andrew Gartman; sister, Kathy Gunderson; cousin Bill Schaefer (Linda); grandchildren, Hunter Fihn, Rachel Gartman, Aaron Fihn; nieces and nephews, Eric Gunderson, Jaime Gunderson, Sandy (Brandon) Stecker; 9 great grandnieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends. In addition to her parents, in-laws and husband, Edith was preceded in death by sister, Alice Ernst; brothers-in-law George Ernst, John Gunderson, Rueben, Llyod and Louis Gartman; sister-in-law Lorraine Gartman; cousin Delores and her children Scott and Wendy, and friend Joyce Schwartz.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Town Wilson (6522 S Business Dr, Sheboygan). Burial will follow at Lutheran Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with family before the service from 11:00 a.m-1:00 pm, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.

The family would like to thank the staff and her caregivers over the past year, including those at Davita Dialysis and her transport drivers. Thank you to the staff at Aurora Medical Center, especially Drs. Laura Slykhouse, David Jorgensen, George Kuttickat, and Michael Brooks, for handling Mom’s complicated needs with grace, compassion, and skill. Thank you to the dozens of staff members at Progressive who not only tended to Mom’s daily needs, but also supplied a listening ear and friendship. You are the hands and feet of God and we are so grateful.