Jacob “Jake” M. Gartner, 91, of Whitehall, died Oct. 17, 2018, at home. He was the husband of Margaret E. (Selady) Gartner for 65 years.

Born in Stiles, he was a son of the late Stephen and Katherine (Etchberger) Gartner.

He was a 1945 graduate of Coplay High School and attended the United States Army Financial Management School.

He was in the U.S. Army during World War II and continued his service with a 42-year career. He earned the rank of command sergeant major. He last served at the former Wilson Kramer Reserve Center, Bethlehem.

He was a member of the Honorary First Defenders; Allen O. Delke American Legion Post 16, Slatington;Coplay Saengerbund; and the Golden Agers of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church. He started the Last Man’s Club.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Ava and her husband Dennis McCarthy of Slatington; a son, Bruce and his wife Jane of Wescosville; three grandchildren, Michael Fedor, Michelle and her husband Vincent Massi and Alison and her husband Salvatore Lombardi III; seven great-grandchildren, Tyler, Ethan, Eva, Salvatore IV, Isabella, Nicholas and Lars; a sister, Marie Dewalt; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Gartner.

He was predeceased by a grandson, Daniel Gartner; brothers; sisters; and extended family.

Contributions may be made to the Golden Agers of St. Elizabeth’s, 618 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall, 18052.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home Inc., Whitehall.