Michael Gardner

Michael Andrew Gardner was born on Feb. 25, 1949 to Larry and Delite Gardner. He has one sister, Susan Lansman. He graduated from East Greene High School in 1967 where he was active in baseball, basketball, football and chorus. After graduation he attended Boone Junior College. He later received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marycrest College.

On Aug. 15, 1969 he was united in marriage to Nancy Peterson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson. Shortly after marriage they ventured to Fort Gordon, Georgia for Army Basic Training where Andrew David was born. Two and a half years later Amy Linnea joined the family. Mike worked at Juhl Feed Store in Dana and the Greene County REC as a lineman. He was also a part-time member of the Iowa Army National Guard.

In 1975 they moved to rural Jefferson where they lived for 18 years. Mike continued his work at the REC and Iowa Army National Guard. He also raised hogs on the acreage. He was active in Little League serving as coach, umpire and Board Member.  He was an active member and usher at Trinity Lutheran Church. Mike faithfully attended Andy and Amy’s many activities and events. In 1991 he began full-time work for the Iowa Army National Guard and moved to Johnston in 1993 where he continued his successful military career.

Mike served his State and Nation in the Iowa Army National Guard for over 42 years.  He enlisted in the 234th Signal Battalion as a Private on June 10, 1969. He entered into retirement as a Colonel on March 1, 2011. During his long career, Mike served in a number of important assignments, including: Company Commander, Battalion Commander, Counterdrug Coordinator, Chief of Staff and United States Property and Fiscal Officer. Mike received many Awards and Decorations, including: the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. During his extensive service, Mike was also awarded a host of service medals. After his retirement, Mike continued to serve the State of Iowa in the Iowa Department of Public Defense as the State Comptroller.  

Mike lived a full life. He worked very hard and was honored to serve his country. His family was his greatest source of pride. He loved his role as grandfather and enjoyed attending the grandkids many activities. His favorite pastime was going to the farm with his furry friend Mattie. John Wayne was his idol and could frequently be found watching old westerns. True to his work ethic, he enjoyed helping others and lending a hand when needed. Hawaii was his favorite destination and sitting by the pool enjoying a lava flow was his favorite activity. He was a Mr. Fix-It with projects going all the time. He developed many friendships over the years through the military and his personal life. He enjoyed catching up with friends whenever they crossed paths.

Mike completed his mission on earth, as God felt his work here was done, on April 18, 2022 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines at the age of 73. He is survived by his wife Nancy; son Andy Gardner (Lisa); daughter Amy Timmerman (Doug); granddaughter Taylor Timmerman; grandsons Lucas Gardner, Adam Gardner, and Spencer Timmerman; mother Delite Monahan; sister Susan Lansman; brother-in-law Steve (Cory) Peterson; nieces, nephews, and other relatives as well as a multitude of friends. Memorials can be given to the family, Blank Children’s Hospital, or the Gold Star Museum.

A visitation was held on Monday, April 25 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, April 26 at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. Burial was following the service at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel. A reception will follow the burial at the Veterans Reception Center, 910 Main St., Van Meter, IA. The funeral service was also livestreamed. The link can be found at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.caldwellparrish.com