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Gayle Gardner Obituary
Glenn was born in East Detroit on Dec. 12, 1935, to parents Gayle and Mary Gardner. He was the oldest of four, Darrel, Reva and Linda. The family moved to small farms in the Adrian area near the Ohio border.
Glenn attended Sand Creek Community Schools where he played sports, met his future wife, Marlene, and was salutatorian of his senior class. Glenn earned a degree in engineering from MSU, MBA from Mercy College Detroit and a master's degree from the Chrysler Institute. Glenn worked for Chrysler for 36 1/2 years. After many position moves, he headed up the team that developed the first minivan in 1983. After chairing a joint venture with Mitsubishi (building a plant in Illinois) and then moving to large car platform design back at Chrysler, Glenn decided to retire in 1994.
Glenn and Marlene moved to a home on a lake near Orlando. Glenn decided to try consulting, which led to many travels all over the world. He tried to play golf everyday by owning a home on a golf course. Woodworking was his other big passion.
Three years ago Marlene and Glenn moved to Longwood, Fla. They were married 64 years. They are the parents of Keith Gardner of Rochester and Kendra Smith of Romeo.
Glenn was preceded in death by a twin son, Kirk, born in 1958, and two sisters, Reva Heckert and Linda Bushong.
Glenn has seven grandchildren, Jessica Walters, Carrie Walker, William Walters, Andrew Smith, Stefanie Smith, Dale Gardner and Glenn Gardner. Glenn has nine great-grandchildren, Zachary Cantlin, Gage Walker, Trevor Cantlin, Grace Walters, Milo Gardner, William Walters, Corrine Gardner, Samantha Calvin and Lincoln Walters.
Memorial service to be held at a later date. Donation to be made to Save the Children, www.savethechildren.org, or Hospice, donation.adventhealth.com/central-florida/Foundation-Central-Florida/moduleId/405/fundId/25/controller/Donation/action/Donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gayle Gardner
Sponsored by Potere-Modetz Funeral Home - Rochester.
4 Entries
Jim & jo Peter
August 18, 2020
Glen was my first boss at Chrysler around 1970 when I was in the Exterior Lighting Lab. He also became my boss several other times through my career. I had the greatest respect for him. Our sympathies are with his family
Audrey and Michael Viglione
August 15, 2020
We were the lucky ones to meet Glenn and Marlene in his retirement days, and thoroughly enjoyed their friendship, whether golfing or dining together, or as guests at one of their wonderful family celebrations at their beautiful Michigan home. Many people know and admire Glenn from his outstanding career at Chrysler, but for us, it was his dedication to his faith and family that come first to mind. He often referred to Marlene as "his lovely bride"... and they just glowed in each other's presence.
Marlene, our hearts goes out to you, Keith, Kendra, and all your family on losing your dear Glenn. I am so grateful for knowing him and you, and for our lovely times together. We will really miss him. Ph 1:3
Jim Frye
August 13, 2020
Glenn was the brightest individual that I have ever been associated with on a personal basis. But his intelligence was secondary to his modesty and friendliness to everyone with whom he was in contact. I have very many fond memories of our association, among them the times we played bridge together. You have my most sincere sympathy, Marlene; Glenn will be greatly missed.
Glenn Hoffrichter
August 13, 2020
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Mr. Gardner back in the Lee Iacocca days of Chrysler when he was a leader in the Engineering organization. He was instrumental in the planning of the Chrysler Technology Center in Auburn Hills. He was a decisive leader that truly cared about his employees. A great guy! May he rest in peace.
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Aug
21
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10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Potere-Modetz Funeral Home - Rochester339 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, MI 48307
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Potere-Modetz Funeral Home - Rochester339 Walnut Boulevard, Rochester, MI 48307
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