Dale Gordon Gardner, age 76, peacefully passed away in his sleep in the early morning of Monday, September 30, 2024. Born on November 25, 1947 in Rush City, MN, he was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Dale had many passions in life, including his military career, in which he was on the USS Forrestal during its explosion, his family, who knew him as a kind, caring, mischievous, and humorous man. He also loved animals, who would come to his yard daily for food and water. He replenished the water in his bird bath daily and often kept flowers and bird feeders in the yard. Dale spent many of his younger years in the concrete and construction trades. In his later years, he loved to spend his days watching Gunsmoke and other Westerns, completing find-a-word puzzles, feeding the animals, and spending time with his family.

Dale is survived by his wife Janice, his daughter Vicky Gardner, sons Tony (Gayle) Surdey and Jonathan (Tiffany) Gardner, brothers Lloyd, Michael, Terry, Brian, and David Gardner, sisters Sharon Krueger, Leona, and Roxanne, grandchildren: Kelly Brown, Joanna Butterfield, Ashley Surdey, Jarryd and Maddelin Gardner, and great-grandchildren Lacota and Aiden Brown, Blake and Chase Butterfield. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and he will be remembered for the love, laughter, and mischief he brought into the lives of those around him.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents Lester and Bernice (Shermer) Gardner, brothers Lawrence, Leon, LeRoy, and Bert Gardner, and son Bob Peck.

At Dale’s request, there will not be a funeral or memorial service.

May he rest in peace, and may his legacy of love, humor, and kindness continue to inspire us all.

Last Update: Oct 02, 2024 2:08 pm CDT