Brett David Gartrell, of Stockton, KS, passed away on September 15, 2024, at his home in rural Rooks County, at the age of 40. He was born on February 3, 1984, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, to Gregg and Susan Gartrell, the second of their three children.
Brett attended school in Stockton where he was a member of the band and participated in track, cross country and basketball. Brett’s favorite sport was track where he ran at the state track meet as a sophomore and senior. Brett was also active in the Stockton FFA and the Mt. Pleasant 4-H Club, representing both organizations at the local, state, and national levels. A highlight of his high school years was participating in the school play, an interest he continued during his college years and again through the Stockton Arts Council theater productions. Brett also looked forward to the family’s annual backpacking trips to the mountains.
Following high school, Brett enrolled at Kansas State University, studying crop production and working both on and off campus jobs. One summer internship had him collecting and counting insects in Iowa. In 2008, Brett returned home to set up his bachelor’s quarters and began working with his parents on the farm. Although Brett was involved in all facets of farmwork, his favorite time of year was harvest. Many a college football game day was spent in the combine cab listening to the K-State Wildcats.
Brett was a member of the Stockton United Methodist Church where he attended local youth groups regularly. In Manhattan he was active in campus Christian organizations and was a member of the choir at the Grace Baptist Church. A person who tended to hide his talents under a basket, Brett liked giving gifts – flowers to his favorite ladies on Mother’s Day, tools for Dad on Father’s Day, or snacks to the nephews and nieces when they came for a visit. He enjoyed being with other people and was always up for a game of Phase 10, Fluxx or Stratego.
Brett is survived by his parents, Gregg and Susan Gartrell of Stockton; brother, Ethan (Rena) Gartrell of Basehor, KS; sister, Heather (Nathan) Mentzer of Colony, KS; nephews, Elijah and Case Mentzer and Spencer Gartrell; and nieces, Jeanie Mentzer and Guinevere Gartrell.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 2PM, at the Stockton Church of Restoration. Visitation will be held on Thursday 6-8pm, with the family receiving friends 6-7:30PM, at the funeral home in Stockton.
Memorials are suggested to Operation Christmas Child and Stockton Food Pantry and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.