Patrick J Gardner

Patrick J. "Pat" Gardner, 86, of Poplar Grove, Minnesota died Sunday, May 11, 2008, in OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, after a short battle with cancer. Entombment in Highland Garden of Memories.

He was born Oct. 10, 1921, in Chatfield, Minnesota, the son of Walter and Esther (Sackett) Gardner.

Pat was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in the Philippines. He received two Bronze Star's, Purple Heart and the Pacific Victory Medal while serving in the 132nd Red Arrow Division.

Pat married Deloris Bremseth on Sept. 22, 1946, in Chatfield, Minnesota. He farmed in Minnesota and worked for Chrysler Corp. in Belvidere, Illinois, prior to his retirement. Pat was an active member of Poplar Grove United Methodist Church and had a great love for gardening.

Survived by wife, Deloris; children, James Patrick (JoAnne) Gardner of DeKalb, Illinois; Wanda (Charles) Marzahl of Harvard, Illinois; Craig (Sue) Gardner of Belvidere, Illinois; Merry (Ed) Crowder of Loves Park, Illinois.

Also grandchildren, Michael, William, Matthew, Becky; brothers, Russell (Doris) Gardner of Florida, Paul (Lois) Gardner of Rochester, Minnesota; Charles Gardner of Stewartville, Minnesota; Victor (Jane) Gardner of Winona, Minnesota; Joseph (Sharon) Gardner of Dexter, Minnesota; sister, Doris Gober of Rockford, Illinois; numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by parents; two sisters; three brothers; and great-granddaughter, Rebecca Gardner.