George J. Gardner died January 9, 2023 peacefully at home.

He was born to parents Allie & Elvera Gardner in West Chicago, IL. When he was in the eighth grade, the family moved to Sumner, IA where George graduated from high school. After graduation, he joined the Navy during the Korean Conflict and made many trips to Europe, Africa, and Cuba onboard the U.S.S Whitley. During his leaves, he met and married Betty Grothaus from Winfield, IL on January 9, 1954. After discharge, they moved to a dairy farm in Hammond where they raised four children.

George was active in the community and was on the St. Croix Central School Board and Commander of Hammond Chapter of American Legion. Betty died in 1984 and George married Linda Frazier in 1994.

He is survived by his second wife, Linda; and his children: Cynthia (Brian) Cain, David (Kim) Gardner, Kathy (Lee) Jeska, Becky (Britt) Lindemann; step-daughters, Gayle Gerhardt and Felicia (Randi) Dunn; sister, Alice Hoffman; brother, Gerald Gardner; and multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

George is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Betty; brothers, Robert Gardner and Thomas (Sharon) Gardner; granddaughter, Stephanie Gerhardt; and nephews, Donald Gardner and Steven Gardner.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 1:00-4:00p.m on Sunday, January 15, 2022 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St., Baldwin, with a service and military honors at 1:30 p.m.