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Dale Gardner Obituary
Upon graduation from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics, Dale entered into active duty with the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Aviation Officer School in Pensacola, Florida. Selected as the most promising naval officer of his class, he was awarded his Naval Flight Officer Wings in 1971 and subsequently was involved in the initial F-14 TOMCAT flight with assignment to the first operational F-14 Squadron (VF-1) at NAS Miramar, San Diego, California. After deployment on the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, he was assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 4 (VX-4) at NAS Pt. Mugu, California and was selected as an Astronaut Candidate by NASA in January 1978. Dale was chosen to join the crews of missions STS-8 aboard Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 and STS-51A aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 1984. Serving as Mission Specialist, he logged a total of 337 hours in space, 225 orbits of the Earth, completed two space walks totaling 12 hours and flew the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) backpack. After returning to the US Navy in 1986 following 8 ½ years with NASA, Dale served over two years as the Deputy Chief of Space Control Operations Division in Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Base and after promotion to the rank of Captain, he became the command's Deputy Director for Space Control at Peterson Air Force Base. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1990 and served as Program Manager in the Engineering Operations of TRW Inc. He later became Manager of Northrup Grumman's Colorado Springs operations. After 13 years, he joined the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado as the Associate Director for Renewable Fuels Science & Technology.
Dale retired January 2013 to enjoy the tranquility and peace of the Colorado mountains with his beloved wife Sherry Gardner. He is also survived and greatly loved by his children Lisa Gardner Hoefler, stepdaughter Erika Church, stepson Christopher Church, grandchildren Isabella Hoefler and Jude Church-Barry, mother Alice Gardner, sisters Peggy Janka and Kay Zipse, many loving nieces, nephews, family members and dear friends. Dale was preceded in death by his son Todd Allen Gardner, and his father.
While Dale's lifetime achievements are extraordinary, they only begin to capture his intangible gifts of humility, generosity, and compassion and the many lives that he has forever changed.
Through his generosity of heart, several people have received a gift of life from Dale though the Donor Alliance Organ & Tissue Donation organization.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. Following the funeral there will then be a reception at the church. Private burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dale's memory to the Pikes Peak United Way, 518 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 (www.ppunitedway.org).
"Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, and, departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time."
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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Memories and Condolences
for Dale Gardner
nick w
November 11, 2022
Dale out of step with others from VF-1 on USS Enterprise - we worked at TRW same time.
February 25, 2015
Think of you often Dale , all the best to you Sherry ! Hard to believe it's been 1 year .
Scott and Mary Lang
Harry Simpson
February 19, 2015
Fair winds and following seas sailor.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Glen Ziolkowski
December 4, 2014
I was a young AF Staff Sergeant in Cheyenne Mtn AFB and worked for Capt. Gardener for a short time. He was a great man and I looked up to him. He signed my request for officers candidacy school and I will never forget him. I took my kids to see the Atlantis display in Florida and showed them this Heros photo. Rest in peace brother.
Scott Chamberland
March 10, 2014
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
D Little
March 8, 2014
My sympathies goes to the loved Mr Gardner . Isaiah 35:5,6
Janice B.
March 4, 2014
My deepest Sympathy to the Gardner family ,please let the god of all comfort sustain you in your time of distress.
L
March 3, 2014
I grew up watching and listening to NASA adventures - like I used to call them. Early in the 80's, I remember Mother telling me about this certain mission to space and she was so worry that would always made us pray for all the crew to come back safe. Years later, in my history class, I learned who were the astronauts that launched the shuttles, and Mr Gardner was one of them. It's really sad to know about him passing away. His work, or as I always considered it as a little girl - his adventures to space - not only touched history, but many of the hearts of our families. I understand how it feels loosing a loved one. May the God of Love grant them comfort and strength in dealing with their loss and their prayers for inner peace could be answered. (Psalms 46:1)
March 2, 2014
Peggy and Family, Our condolences to you and your family upon the sudden passing of your brother. Can remember back on Bristol when you gave us a picture of him, and the boys were thrilled to know your brother was an astronaut. We will keep you in our prayers.
Mary Beth & Pat Kane
Mickey Haskins
March 2, 2014
Fair winds and following seas to a fellow member of AOCS Class 29-70. What a guy. M.L.Haskins, CDR USN-Ret.
David Gut
March 1, 2014
I had the distinct pleasure of serving with Dale in the Navy during the time he applied for the space shuttle program. He was a true Navy aviator and leader that embodied the true vision that nothing was impossible in life. I was deeply sadden to hear of his sudden passing. My deepest sympathy and condolences goes out to his family. Fair Winds Dale!
Lee Burton
March 1, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the family--Dale was the best of the best and it was a great pleasure and honor to have worked for him.
Thomas Gessing
March 1, 2014
I wish to express my condolences to the family of Dale Gardner. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. Dale was my Division Officer in Fighter Squadron One on the U.S.S. Enterprise. It was the first cruise with the F14 Tomcat. I spent many hours reviewing evaluations on the other men in the division with Dale. He was one of the fairest and by far the best officer I served under in my 23 year career. With sincere sympathy, Thomas J Gessing AEC USN-Ret
Bill Yoder
March 1, 2014
I was very sad to learn of Dale's passing. He was my roommate in Pensacola following Navy OCS. He was instrumental in helping me obtain my first assignment after VT-10 training. We had some great times together. When we were last together for lunch several years ago, it was as if no time had passed. I will miss him.
Virginia (PUD) Gardner/Hannaman
March 1, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Dale's family. I just read about his passing in the Fort Worth, TX paper. I have many fond memories of Dale.
Jae McNay
February 28, 2014
So sorry to hear about Dale's passing. I worked with him on the F-14 weapons system test at Point Mugu in the early 70's. He was a good officer and a good man.
Toni Wisdorf-Gohla
February 28, 2014
Dear Alice: I don't know if you remember an old neighbor in Sherburn , MN so many years ago. But, in reading Dale's obituary, the little boy I babysat for rang in my memory..with
warmest thoughts and love.....Toni Wisdorf Gohla.
February 28, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Gardner family during this most difficult time. Please know, God is near to those that are broken at heart, and those crushed in spirit he saves.
Jerlyn
February 28, 2014
To the Gardner family, please accept my sincere expressions of sympathy in your loss. May you find comfort and hope in God's promise that you will see Dale again. (John 5:24,28,29)
Doug Hopkins & Family
February 27, 2014
It too is with unspeakable sadness that I learned today of Dale's passing. I had the rare privilege and honor to be involved with CAPT Gardner during the nascent days of Space Defense / Space Control. In the mid- to late 80's, Dale personally--and with tireless professionalism--established this mission's identity and integrated it into the fabric of United States Space Command. I will never forget his humility, commitment to America and mission, and care for those who had the pleasure to work with and for him. With a world starved for selfless leadership, his passing has made our journey much more formidable. Sherry, our prayers to you and your family.
Etta Harris
February 27, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May the God of comfort gives comfort to you and your family and bring a peace of mind to you and your family.
David Gardner
February 27, 2014
We are so sad to learn of Dale's passing
We were so lucky to spend time with him
in CA and also in his home in Colorado Springs. Dave grew up with Dale and they had good times even tho Dave was 10 years older. He has a wonderful family.
Larry Osborn
February 27, 2014
I had the pleasure and honor to have known and worked with Dale many years ago at Schriever Air Force Base. He was an extraordinary individual and a good man. It saddens me that he has been taken too early. All who knew Dale will miss him.
February 27, 2014
My condolences to the Gardner Family. I'm very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort comfort you through the Scriptures during these sad times.(James 4:8) And, may the Scriptural hope of everlasting life sustain you. (John 17:3)
February 27, 2014
We are sadden to learn of the passing of Dale. Through the grievous days ahead may Almighty God comfort the Gardner family.
Florida
Barry Campbell
February 27, 2014
A hero and apparently a good man. Rest in Peace.
Jacki Brusseau
February 27, 2014
Dear Sherry and family,
I give my heartfelt condolances to you and your family. I remember Dale as an honorable and respectful man as I worked at TRW back in 1998-2001. Prayers to you all.
chuck shorter
February 26, 2014
Dale was a wonderful person. He made many important contributions when he worked at TRW and was a joy to work with
J C
February 26, 2014
IT SADDEN OUR HEARTS, TO SEE SOMEONE LIKE DALE, SO FULL OF LIFE DIE BECAUSE, WE KNOW IT WAS GODS ORIGINAL PURPOSE THAT MAN LIVE FOREVER ON EARTH IN PARADISE. MAY THE GOD OF COMFORT HELP YOU DEAL WITH THE GRIEF OF YOUR DEAR BELOVED DALE. 2 COR 3:1
February 26, 2014
The loss of a loved one can be hard. Please have comfort in God 's love. 1 Cor. 15:26
G Rich
February 26, 2014
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Luke 20:38
Gary and Sue Payton
February 26, 2014
This was devastating news. Dale and I were in Houston together, his Shuttle flights preceding mine by only a few months. Long ago, two afternoons in a row, I improperly parked in a reserved spot because I was just rushing into Building 4 for a quick meeting. I didn't know this was his assigned spot, and he caught me. He could have legitimately ranted and raved about that breech of decorum, but he didn't. That showed his maturity and understanding; of course I never parked improperly again. His knowledge and mastery of the Manned Maneuvering Unit were legendary. We have lost a fantastic aviator, engineer, manager, and a great American. Our deepest condolences.
February 26, 2014
To the family of Dale Gardner,
We can certainly be thankful that he was so willing to give of himself in such a special way. He was able to see the unlimited power of our creator by traveling thru space and time.
May the God of all comfort grant peace to your family and know that he cares for those who mourn the loss of a love one. Isaiah 61:2.
D. Orange, Illinois
Marc
February 26, 2014
"Our Father in the heavens, may your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth" (Matthew 6:9,10). May we all see the day when this promise is fulfilled and see our loved ones again.
February 26, 2014
SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS,MAY THE FAMILY AND LOVED ONES BE TOUCHED BY GOD'S LOVE."HAPPY ARE THE MERICIFUL,SINCE THEY WILL BE SHOWN MERCY."..MATT.5:7...DEE
michellle plakas-kaiser
February 26, 2014
rip
February 26, 2014
Sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the hearer of prayer at this time. Psalm 65:2
February 26, 2014
Thank you for your service to our country. Deepest sympathy to the Gardner Family, may the Lord comfort you in your loss.
M. Kosh
Ft. Myers, Fl.
February 26, 2014
Soon death will be no more
Muffy
February 26, 2014
Rest in peace. Now that you have left our plane of existence, I hope you are able to visit the entire universe, and solve all her mysteries.
To the family and friends who have been left behind, may you remember him with love and happiness.
February 25, 2014
I'm deeply sorry for your family's loss. Please find joy and comfort in knowing that God will one day wipe away death forever. Is. 25:8
February 25, 2014
My condolences to the family. May the warm memories you share comfort you, and may the promises God gives encourage you in the coming days. 2Cor 1:4.
February 25, 2014
Soon death will be no more
Lily Eng
February 25, 2014
with deep sympathy to the family of dale. he certainly had the privilege of seeing the wonderful works of our Creator from space. the words written over 2500 yrs ago at isaiah 40:22 " there is one who is dwelling above the circle of the earth..." the end of suffering is soon to come to an end and a world with peaceful conditions result. isaiah 2: 4.
February 25, 2014
One of the brave, thank you for your service to our country. Rest in peace. Condolences to the family. Baltimore, MD
February 25, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dick Losee
February 25, 2014
It was an honor to work with Dale while working for TRW/NG on the MDA RDC on Schriever AFB in the late '90s. We'll miss him.
February 25, 2014
May you find comfort in knowing God, as well as others, care. My sincere condolences.
February 25, 2014
Sincere sympathy to the Gardner family
May the God of comfort be with you and
your family at this time of your grief.
February 25, 2014
My condolences to the family and friends. My Gods word comfort you at this time. His word promises that death will be no more at Revalations 21:4.
February 25, 2014
We are never prepared for a death of a loved one, it is the hardest things we can go though so please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more for this has been promised to us. With my deepest condolences for your loss.
Cathy Downs
February 24, 2014
What a loss for the world. Dale was a humble human, a respected co-worker, a dedicated father and a friend to many. Some things I remember about Dale are:
How he knew everyone's name and what skills they had for each of his hundreds of employees; He adored his children; His silly dancing at the TRW Holiday party; and so many more. He lived his life like so many of us should - with feeling! My heart goes out to the family.
George & Mary Watts
February 24, 2014
Mary and I are deeply saddened to hear of Dale's passing. He was a great man, and leader. Our thoughts and prayers always with his family.
Sara Parsons
February 24, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Dale. I worked with him when he joined TRW and later on Northrop Grumman. He was a great leader and kind in heart. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire family.
Ron Wiley
February 24, 2014
Sherry, This is a terrible shock. I am so sorry. I knew Dale when we deployed on ENTERPRISE (I was in VAW-113) and then again when he was in the Mountain (Space Command). I was honored to be a part of the effort to create his astronaut wings. A great man who will be greatly missed.
Lou Ramon
February 23, 2014
It was an honor to have worked with and known Dale during the development of the satellite retrieval equipment, training and mission operations for his flight on STS-51A. He was truly an officer and a gentleman. My sincere condolences to his family.
Jack Anthony
February 23, 2014
Capt Dale Gardner was a great boss, friend and mentor. He was so kind to me as a junior officer, was so gracious with my family and helped me get my first post_AF job. He also took time to visit the cadets I taught at USAFA. A humble man, who taught me so much. Thank you Dale. Jack
February 23, 2014
Sherry, I am deeply saddened by the news of Dale's passing. What a sensational human being he was. My deepest condolences to you and your Family. Keri Clark
Holly and Marcia DeMotts
February 23, 2014
So sorry for your loss, Dale was a good neighbor and a fine man. We will miss him. Please know there are good folks ready to help you in any way.
James Moore
February 23, 2014
I was privileged to support Dale during his space flight and later serve with him at US Space Command. He was committed to excellence in all he did and a true gentleman. I was proud to know him and regret we have lost him too soon.
Larry & Carol Brown
February 22, 2014
I cannot express the sadness I felt when I learned of Dale's passing. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and the hundreds of friends he came to know. I had the opportunity to work for Dale at Schriever AFB, CO as a Security Specialist for TRW. He will be sorely missed. A special SALUTE to an American Hero!!
February 22, 2014
Speaking for all of us who work side by side with you, Peggy, at Family Home Health Services, we extend our most sincere condolences on your loss and the loss your family now endures. Even though we did not know Dale personally, we all respond to his unique and courageous life with deep respect and admiration. Know that those of us who daily care for the infirmed and dying hold a special and sacred bond with the grief and sorrow you and your family now experience. You are in our thoughts and prayers and I wish you and your family peace. Carol Mizock
Michelle & family Horyczun
February 22, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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