Husband, Dad, Papa Art, Brother, Uncle, Friend

Age 71, of Hudson, WI, died suddenly and peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 22, 2019 while bulldozing pancreatic cancer.

Left to grieve and cherish his memory are his loving wife Colleen G. (Brunschon), and blessed children Ryan J. (Tracy), Marlee J., stepdaughters Jena J.(Matt) Radant and Destiny L. Hostetler, brother Wm. (Bill) A., Elysian, MN, sister Louella "Dolly" (Joe) Mercer, Eskridge, KS, and 9 grandchildren: Allison 13, Kendall 10, Brynn 8, Kaylee 20 months, Katrina 25, Justin 17, Joshua 16, Corbin 16, and Kindra 14.

Preceeded in death by parents Wm. Earl Jr. & Mary Lillian (Warnemunde) Warner.

Honorary pallbearers at Art's funeral service were his grandchildren: Allison Warner, Kendall Warner, Brynn Warner, Kaylee Tucker, Katrina Hostetler, Justin Martin, Joshua Martin, Corbin Radant, and Kindra Radant.

Youth (1948-1968) Art was born in Mankato, MN on May 27, 1948 and was raised on the Warner Homestead in Elysian, MN.

Art also served as an Alter Boy at St. Andrew's Catholic Church.

He graduated from Waterville Elysian, MN High School in 1966. During his school years he was in Cadet Band, Drama Club, President of his Sophomore Class, on the Football Team, Varsity Wrestling, Baseball Team, and Lettermen's Club. Art was chosen to be on the All-Conference Baseball Team winning Gopher Co-Champs and Conference Champs. Art attended Mankato State University from 1966 to 1967.

Growing up on the farm, Art helped with the family farm chores, and hunted ducks, geese and pheasants any opportunity he had.

Art met his first wife, Vicki Krise, out of high school and they married in 1968.

20's (1968-1978) In December 1968, Art began his career working at the 3M Pilot Plant for Building Services and Cleaning Products. He worked there for 5 years as a technician and crew leader of Nomad matting and helped developed ScotchBrite finishing wheels and floor pads. While working, Art also enlisted in the Army National Guard, HHC 1st Bde, Stillwater, MN on December 1, 1967. He received an Honorable Discharge November 30, 1973 after serving 5 years. In 1973 Art got his first sales job in Rockford, IL selling floor pads for 3M Building Services and in 1975 returned to the Cities after being homesick.

In 1972, Art started his softball umpiring career at the softball fields in South St. Paul. He would continue umpiring through 1992. Jena, Art's stepdaughter, actually remembers Art umpiring some of her games. Umpiring helped Art finance some of his fishing and hunting trips throughout the years.

30's (1978-1988) In May of 1976, Art began to work on the Printer Converter Project at 3M and what is known today as the Converter Markets business. He continued to be instrumental in many of the successes during this side of the business for 33 years.

In June of 1978, Art and Vicki had their first born, Ryan.

Art was also Manager of 3M's Major Industrial Slowpitch Team which placed 2nd in August, 1982 in the State Metro tournament and 3rd place in September, 1982 in the National Tournament Miller's Woods Overland Park, KS. Art's relationship with sports was a key component with Ryan's youth who played baseball, hockey, and ran cross country. Art was always watching the Twins, Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Northstars, Wild, and of course Michael Jordan on WGN. And if ever anyone questioned sports trivia, Art had the answer! Art and Ryan watched the Twins regularly this summer while recovering from chemo treatments at home and the hospital.

When Ryan was 4, Art and Vicki, brought Ryan to Dick Washburn's cabin in Brainerd. Ryan was given a cane pole and worm. Ryan was instantly hooked and dad's journey into fishing started. At the farm, Art and Ryan would do various projects, (cutting trees for firewood, feeding pheasants, mowing paths, etc.). At the end of those projects, Art always made time for fishing. They got to know the local lakes of Elysian very well over the years. Come fall, hunting entered the picture. Duck, geese, and pheasant hunting were always a big part of Art and Ryan's life. In the mid eighties, the hog pen was converted into a pheasant pen. With the aid of Grandpa Earl, young pheasants were placed in the pen and released during hunting season. This insured lots of pheasant hunting action. In October, 1986 they were blessed with their daughter, Marlee June. It wasn't long before Marlee was in the boat making it a 4 person fishing adventure.

40's (1988-1998) Art and his father, Earl were awarded the Fall 1991 MN Waterfowl Association Pioneer, Conservationist of the Year for restoring a small wetland basin of 21 acres and now a beautiful wetland complex. Art and his son, Ryan, over the last 20 years has continued to expand this project with the approval of the DNR. The Farm was his labor of love and passion. "You can take the boy out of the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the boy." Art was an avid duck and pheasant hunter throughout his late 20's to early 60's. He was an excellent hunter and entertained friends, co-workers, and customers near and far in the sport. Today Ryan keeps the tradition by taking his kids hunting and fishing at the cabin as well as entertaining friends, clients, and employees.

In addition to the farm, each summer, Art and Ryan would stay with Gene Shoeveler (Shoes) at Long Lost Lake in Park Rapids. Very fond memories of catching all kinds of fish on that great lake. When Art and Ryan wanted to get their walleye fix, they would hitch a ride with Gene Stifter and make their way to Canada for endless amounts of walleyes.

In August, 1993 Art began his outside sales career in the 3M Converter markets business with many achievements to be part of the Legends Club numerous years straight. Art invented several products that were a result of his expertise in knowing his customers business and building those key relationships.

50's (1998-2008) Art divorced in September, 1998 after 30 years of marriage. In December, 1998 Art's mother (Lillian) passed and in March, 1999 he moved his father to Eskridge, KS where he died May 15, 1999. Art then became the owner of the Warner Farm and Homestead as well as becoming the gentleman's land steward his remaining years with his son, Ryan.

He also made sure fishing was a priority locally in the Twin Cities area with Ryan, lakes in the Elysian area, and numerous trips with customers, friends, and Ryan to Canada. Once Ryan graduated from college in 2000, an aeration system was installed in Warner Lake and the beginning of a new era was created. Art and Ryan had the goal of making Warner Lake the best fishing lake it could be. Today Warner Lake has Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike, Walleye, Largemouth Bass, Crappies, Sunnies, Perch and carp. Art's favorite fish were #1 Bass to catch and #2 Walleye to eat! Many efforts have been made throughout the years to control the carp (seining, bow hunting, corn, etc.). Results weren't always the best but they never stopped trying. The lakes of the North Shore and the Gunflint Trail were also explored many times over the years with relatives and family.

He moved to Hudson, WI in 1998 and built a new home with his beloved best friend and soulmate, Colleen. They both were co-workers starting in 1978 at 3M Company. They later married in April, 2009 with a July, 2009 Pioneer Life celebration in Barron, WI with family and close friends. He acquired two additional daughters from Colleen's first marriage, Destiny and Jena. Several grandchildren became part of their lives in a short period of time as well. Ryan married Tracy in 2003, and have grown their family with 3 daughters to also become part of the highlights of the Nana and Papa Art era.

In 2006, Ryan and Tracy built a cabin on the farm to create many more memories. Art would typically go to the farm weekly to work on projects and appreciated the comforts of the cabin.

60's (2008-2018) Art retired in 2009 as a Senior Account Representative for 3M Company celebrating 40 years of service. He was one of those special people you meet and never ever forget. He was for sure one of a kind and above all, he was a good kind hearted man. His relationships were numerous with many 3M friends and customers. Art had a gentleness about him that was truly unique, genuine, and always reassuring.

Art and Colleen purchased their 1st water cabin in 2010 and upgraded in 2011 to their 35' Cruisers Yacht. Unbeknownst to Art, he quickly became known as Captain Chaos and Cabana Boy. Their St. Croix and Mississippi River adventures and cruises were many with Marlee, 3M retired associates and co-workers, Colleen's high school friends, marina neighbors, and many family and grandkids fun days!

As Colleen continued to work at 3M Company they opened their home with love, guidance, and care to their oldest granddaughter, Katrina in 2011. Parenting became an integral part of Papa Art's retirement years until 2018.

When Colleen retired in 2012 they began traveling more with neighbors, dear friend Pam, dear friend Tom, and family to weekend hockey tournaments near or far, and other locations especially Indiana/Michigan to visit Auntie Sheila and family. Many of Art's travels were on C'yA II to numerous marinas south of the Mississippi River over several summers of fun.

Art and Lily (his best dog friend) continued to make weekly trips to the farm to keep the land in good shape. Before making the trip he would get a list of "to do's" from Ryan to keep him and Ryan's employees from Warner's Outdoor Solutions busy. The employees never complained about working with Art at the farm. Ryan would come down during the week when he could, but his time was limited with 3 girls in hockey, softball, and soccer. With Art doing the farm maintenance it allowed Ryan and his family time to enjoy everything the farm had to offer (fishing, tubing, water skiing, paddle boarding, 4 wheeling, hiking, bike riding, hunting, bonfires, gardening, etc.).

Art became Papa again in 2017 when Marlee gave birth to a baby girl, Kaylee.

70;s (2018-2019) 2018 was a big year for the farm. Ryan decided to do a seeding project for all the CRP land at the farm (125 acres). This project required burning the land, removing small trees thanks to Dan Colvin, spraying round up twice, seeding and mowing twice. Unfortunately, Art wasn't able to see the end project in person on earth, but in heaven can see the millions of flowers and habitat that was created with his hard labor of the land.

Today, Art has 9 grandchildren who have kept him busy with activities and sports. Four of the granddaughters play hockey and Papa's support was definitely noticed with his orange Pheasants Forever hat at the rink! He continued to encourage and watch all grandchild play volleyball, softball, soccer, or hockey whenever he could attend.

Art was very very proud of his family, always caring and supportive. He was a man who had a good life, lived it his way, was a loveable, likeable nice guy, and was truly a good man. He filled his time with meaningful work, farming, hobbies, and deep relationships. Art filled his golden ten playing, farming, traveling, golfing, fishing, hunting pheasant, duck or deer, laughing, smiling inside and out through his affectionate love, and romance with his First Mate. He was everyone's best friend ever. We will all remember his intelligence, wisdom, wit, and quirky sense of humor, his humility, friendship, loyalty, empathy, and passionate love. He was an incredible man and will be greatly missed by many. All these good traits will go with him and his light will shine forever in his next place.  C'yA Dear

A special thank you to the Allina Health Home and Allina Health Hospice & Palliative Care nurses and staff, especially Art's Guardian Angel, Jodie.

Memorials preferred to:

http://www.warnersoutdoorsolutions.com/art-warner-memorial/Art-Warner-Memorial