Fred Gardner
March 29, 1921 ~ May 13, 2015
Fred A. Gardner, age 94 of Elma, IA passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at Colonial Manor in Elma, IA with his family by his side.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, May 18, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Elma IA with Father Steve Garner celebrating. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Elma.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday, May 17, 2015 with a Rosary at 4:30 pm and a Scriptural Wake Service at 7:30 pm at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma. Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Monday. Memorials may be directed to the family or Howard County Hospice. Online condolences for Fred's family may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com.
Fred A. Gardner was born on March 29, 1921, on the family farm in rural Elma, IA, the son of William and Mamie (Butler) Gardner. He graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic School in 1938, following school Fred went to work on the family farm. On November 28, 1945, Fred was united in marriage to Frances "Joey" Kelly at St. Cecelia Church in rural Howard County. The couple made their home on the family farm near Elma where they raised their four children.
Fred enjoyed, fishing, hunting, trains and planes, but most of all he enjoyed his time spent with his family, He was always quick with a smile and with some good advice. A very humble man that will dearly be missed.
He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Elma, and a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.
Fred is survived by his children, Kay (Tom) Flaherty of Lourdes, IA, Larry (Beth) Gardner of Kansas City, MO, Patsy (Roger) Lepa of Lime Springs, IA, Dan (Diane) Gardner of Elma, IA; sister, Mary Lenore Gardner RSM of Cedar Rapids, IA; 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mamie; wife, Joey; brothers, Linus, Frank, Joseph, John, George and sister, Marie.
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Dan and Diane, So sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in our prayers. Brad and Maureen Northrup
Fred had a considerable regard for everybody in Elma, in Iowa, in the USA and the world. He was a very intelligent and thoughtful man who gave a lot of consideration to the problems of the world. My father, John (Freds brother), could be tough at times, but Fred was always considerate. May he rest in peace, and may his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, rest in peace.
I remember about 10 years ago I was trying to find my septic tank to pump out; so I gave Fred a call and asked him. He said all he remembered was, it was north side of old house and it took lots of beer for Dad-Fred and Thomas Burke to dig it by hand!!!
My biggest memory of Uncle Fred is his quietness.. always a ready smile..and such a smile. Slowly spreading across his face as if he just discovered a hilarious secret. Nice that Dan and Larry have inherited that smile. Blessings to all of you. You are in our hearts
My prayers and sympathy to all of the Gardner Family. Fred always had a smile and a good word for everyone. God has gained another angel.
So sorry for your loss.
Sympathy to the Gardner family. I always enjoyed visiting with Fred; he always had time to visit about anything. He is the last of the neighbor hood icons!!!
My sympathy to the Gardner family especially Kay. I will pray for all of you.
To all the Gardner family, we extend our sympathy. What a great father you have all been blessed with . Everyone will,remember his infectious smile. We had so many fun times years ago with him and your mom. Cherish your memories. Duane Pat Lynch
WE SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE GARDNER FAMILY. R. I. P. FRED. FROM TIM AND CINDY HOWLAND PROTIVIN IOWA.
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. Jesus promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again at John 528,29 which talks about the resurrection hope. What a wonderful hope that will be! May this bible thought bring you comfort at this difficult time.