November 3, 1946 – October 30, 2018
Eugene H. Gardner, age 71, of Albertville passed away on Tuesday, October 30th, 2018 at Lake Ridge Oasis in Buffalo after a long battle with COPD and other health issues.
Gene was born on November 3, 1946 to Clifford and Aslaug Halverson in Moorhead MN. At the age of 4 years of age he was adopted by Harold and Irene Gardner.
He graduated from Milaca High School in 1965 and immediately joined the US Army and so bravely served his Country in Viet Nam from Oct ’67 to Jan ’69 during the Tet Offensive.
Gene and Charlotte Weber were joined in holy matrimony on May 15, 1971 in St Michael, Minnesota. God blessed their marriage with three children Brian, Christopher and Katie.
Over the years Gene was active in Milaca American Legion Post #178, St. Michael Lions, St. Michael American Legion Post #567 and St. Michael-Albertville VFW Post # 5963, VietNam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans and Central Lakes Viet Nam Vets.
Eugene was formerly employed as a machinist in metal fabrication.
He was a faithful member of The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael.
Survived by loving wife: Charlotte H. Gardner (nee Weber); children: Brian (Janell) Gardner, Christopher (Angela) Gardner and Katie (Joshua) Peterson; ten grandchildren Jackson, Cole, Weston, Victoria, Adelle, Jacob, Alex, Tanner, Kianna and Lukas. Siblings: Ken (Kathy) Jarandson, Lonnie (Vonnie) Halverson, Ronnie (Cheryl) Affield, Jackie Clift, Patty Conkel, Billy Halverson, Roger (Denise) Halverson and Bruce (Ruth) Halverson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Daniel Weber, Wayne (Maureen) Weber, LuAnn (Gary) Greninger, Janet (Danny) Durant, Karen (Paul) Dehmer, Sandy (Terry) Judge, Voni (Jim) Sorensen, Cindy Kluge and Steve (Joyce) Weber; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, friends and special companion dog Tom the Pom.
Preceded in death by his parents Clifford & Aslaug Halverson and Harold & Irene Gardner, twin sister Joyce Halverson, sisters Cindy Farris and Darlene Erkenbrack, brothers James, Clifford, George, Robert and Jerry Halverson and parents-in-law Eddie & Dolores Weber.
A visitation will be held Friday, November 2nd from 4 to 8 P.M., with a prayer service at 7 P.M. at The Peterson Chapel St Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. Further visitation will be held Saturday, November 3rd 1 hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial for Eugene Gardner will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 at The St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael. Father Peter Richards will be the Celebrant.
Interment with military rites will be held on Monday, November 5th at Fort Ripley Cemetery.
Casket Bearers will be Roger Stoick, Mick Boll, Tom Gooden, Terry Mansell, Ted Wetzel, John Muir, Jim Johnson, Dick Brandt, Tom Hooker and Jon Hall.
Special Thanks to Allina Health Hospice PLATINUM TEAM, Lakeside Oasis, St Cloud VA Medical Center, St Michael American Legion 567 Color Guard and members.
The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home is serving the family.
Gene – you will be missed! Who else will help us cheer on the wrestlers and be the voice of reason when I need parenting advice? Enjoy the treasures of heaven – until we meet again! All Our Love – The Daileys
Charlotte & family,
I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gene will be missed.
God’s Blessings
sil–Jackie Clift
Very sorry to hear this. Always enjoyed seeing you dad and mom at all the get togethers and events. Rest In Peace.
Gene;
I know you are in the arms of the Lord, I so enjoyed our talks at the cafe and seeing you at the various events. You have such a wonderful family. It is truly an honor to know you and your family. We will miss you so much and we know you will always be near in spirit and in our hearts. We love you and We love your Family. May God wrap his arms around all of you. God Bless you all.
My sympathy Charlotte! May God rest his soul and give you strength and peace. It was a privilege to bring him Holy Communion sometimes.
Helen Welter
Many thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort. I always enjoyed talking with Gene and finding out what new Coke collectibles he would find while garage sale shopping. Thank you for your service to our country.
Brian, sorry for your loss. Our sincere prayers for the family.
We are so sorry for your loss of Gene. Please know of our thoughts and prayers. RIP Gene. Steve and Chris Williams
Charlotte, we are so sorry for your loss of Gene. Please know of our thoughts and prayers. RIP Gene. Steve and Chris Williams
RIP Gene. Your brother Ron
Your snakes are gone. Til we meet again my brother.
Marv
Dear Charlotte, Katie, Brian, Chris and Families. Sending our Deepest Sympathy for your loss of Eugene. We are so thankful for our visits with him at the reunions. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cousin DuWayne and Sheryl.
I will miss our phone calls and lunches. So glad we got to be together and go to Pella. What fun. May you rest in God’s hands. You are the best cousin. Love you.
Charlotte and family – So sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers – Anita Goth
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dear Charlotte, Katie, Brian, Chris and families. Sending our Deepest Sympathy to you. We are so Thankful for our visits with Eugene at the Family Reunions. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cousin DuWayne and Sheryl Halvorson
“Taps”
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky,
Safely rest, all is well,
God is nigh.
It’s an honor to play this for you.
Gene was one of the nicest guys I ever met!
He always had a smile on his face when I would walk up to table at Hawk’s Bar. Would always have his arm extended for a handshake, too.
He will be sorely missed!