Father Garner was born in Quincy, the son of James and Mary Garner. He attended St. Peter School, Quincy Notre Dame High School, and graduated from Quincy Senior High School in Quincy. He has four siblings: Sheila Benz of Quincy, Karen Luttrell of Olathe, Kan., Julie Krogman of Quincy, and Kevin Garner of Springfield.

He attended Loras College in Dubuque and graduated in 2007 from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. In the fall of 2004 he began theology studies at The St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., and graduated in May with a master of divinity degree.

The new Father Garner celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving on Saturday, May 23, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa. He has been assigned as assistant pastor to Church of the Resurrection Parish in Dubuque.