Ganter, Carl William age 55, of Andover, MN, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2019, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, John. He is survived by his loving family; his wife Kim, three children, Alyssa Tretter (Aaron), Lauren Cedergren (Nick), and Anna; and grandchildren, Graham (3), Dawson (1 1/2), William (1), and Marryn (1 mo.). He is also survived by his mother Alice, sister Karen, and brother Bob (Sue). Carl was a lover of life from the day he was born. He had some pretty great stories of his family growing up. There was always time for playing with cousins, family camping trips in the pickup, ping pong and pool in the basement, and the standard popcorn for dinner on Sunday nights. Carl would always say, "Faith, family, and friends." A phrase he lived and learned from his incredible parents. He had a glint in his eye and a killer smile that somehow kept him out of getting into any real trouble growing up. He was very proud to be an Eagle Scout. He would stop all veterans, servicemen and women to thank them for their commitment and service. His friends growing up were many, but he surrounded himself with a core group that were rascally at times, but had huge, beautiful hearts like he did. Carl was blessed to have had the sweet, simple childhood that you sometimes see in the movies but unfortunately not enough in real life. You couldn't talk about Carl without mentioning all the softball! He just couldn't get enough of it! He was pretty proud to be called Slugger and Captain Carl by his teammates. He loved the game and he was good at it. Somehow amongst the fun, he managed to get a degree in business from the U of MN and go on to start as an agent with American Family in 1987. He built a business, but most of all, he built community and friendships that lasted over 30 years. Sue worked with Carl early on and Karen joined the team a few years later. Together they were able to help people both in and out of the scope of insurance. Carl always had a love for the outdoors that only grew when he was able to get into bow hunting. He was hooked. He had so many opportunities to hunt and more importantly, develop deep relationships with some really amazing people. In his last weeks, he was busy making a list. It contained the names of 53 people that he brought out hunting or to just sit with him on the property. He had the true heart of a teacher and shared his time and knowledge with many. He was always surrounded by love and laughter. Carl managed to find people that were good, positive and uplifting. He had the gift of a razor-sharp wit and enjoyed that quality in others. Carl was an amazing friend and partner. He tolerated more parties and shenanigans then one man should ever have to endure. Once the girls were born, he would forever be out numbered, and he wouldn't have had it any other way. The years flew by and Carl was able to help at school, coach softball teams, teach Sunday school and confirmation, help with church mission trips, and eventually trips to the Boundary Waters when the girls were in high school. He never missed an award, a game, a victory or a struggle. It all mattered. He acquired a lot of friends that became daughters. With each passing year as the girls grew, he would say, "This is the best age!" and it was always true. He was blessed with 4 grandchildren who brought a new light and laughter into his life when he needed it the most. Riding in the golf cart, next to Papa was their favorite place to be. Carl's diagnosis was a game changer, and suddenly he was faced with the fight of his life. His life changed and his body changed; but his spirit, sense of humor and strength never wavered. God showed him a way to dig deep, lean in and hold on, and that's exactly what he needed to do. In the end, love wins, as it should. God's faithfulness is once again proven to be steadfast and unending. It has been a true gift to be constantly held in prayer, to be fiercely loved and protected by so many. What an incredible blessing to walk through the hardest of hard with an army of God's best soldiers. We are eternally grateful, not for the battle but for the outcome; Carl in his final resting place with our dear Lord and Savior. Thanks be to God. Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. The family will be holding a private memorial. Memorials in Carl's honor may be made to: Masonic Cancer Center, Ham Lake Lions or Glen Cary Church.