Thomas Charles “Tom” Gardner, age 75 of Webster WI and formerly of Hammond WI, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls WI. Tom was born on January 13, 1936 in West Chicago IL to parents Allie and Elvera (Fank) Gardner. Tom later moved with his family to the Hammond area, where he would graduate from Hammond High School. On November 23, 1957, Tom would be united in marriage to Sharon Kay Boumeester. The ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hammond. Their union in marriage would be blessed with five children, two generations of grandchildren, and over 53 years of love and family.

Tom farmed for many years, and worked hard to provide for his family. He also worked in construction, where he was a labor foreman for the Madsen-Johnson Construction Company. Outside of work, Tom showed his love of the outdoors and nature through fishing, watching the bears near their home, and taking pictures of the beautiful things around him. Tom would spend time researching on his computer because he liked to be “in the know” on current events and topics. He enjoyed e-mailing and texting family and friends in order to stay in contact with them. Tom was a dedicated Minnesota Vikings fan who enjoyed trips to the casino, and a cold Pabst Blue Ribbon. Above all though, Tom was a family man through and through. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter that his family will always cherish.

Tom is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon; children, Dale (Cindy) Gardner, Cheryl (Mitch) Johnston, Mike (Debbie) Gardner, Linda “Winnie” (Kim) Gardner, and Donald Gardner; grandchildren, Luke Gardner, Andrew Gardner, Michelle Lindus, Melinda (Brent) Mueller, and Grace Gardner; great-granddaughters, Hailey and Bridget Mueller; siblings, George (Linda) Gardner, Alice Hoffman, and Jerry (Kathleen) Gardner; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends. Tom was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Logan Mueller; his parents, Allie and Elvera Gardner; and his brother, Bob Gardner.

A memorial gathering and visitation for Thomas Gardner will be held from 4:00-8:00PM on Monday, September 12, 2011 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton Street, in Baldwin, with a Prayer Service to be held at 8:00PM with Rev. Father Jerry Harris officiating. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral home and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin WI. 715-684-3434