Christine Gardinier

Christine Gardinier, of Eagle River, WI, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the age of 73. Born in Rhinelander, WI, on November 3, 1952, to Joe and June Simac, she was known for her warmth, gracious humor, and genuine interest in others. She worked in customer service her whole career, taking joy in helping others at Anderson Insurance Agency, First National Bank, Vilas Cinema and AmeriGas.
She and her husband, Ed Gardinier, were devoted to each other and married for 28 years. She is survived by her daughter, Cassandra Swan (Kyle) and her father Scott Nordstrom; her siblings Teri Simac, Kathy Fanning (Mike), and Joe Simac (Mary); and numerous extended relations.
Her meaningful relationships with family and friends were central to her life. She had a remarkable gift for connecting with others. Whether greeting a friend or a stranger, she lit up with a smile and was always ready for a genuine conversation. A quick trip through town often took extra time because she inevitably met someone she knew and stopped to brighten their day. She found joy in baking and expressed affection through sharing desserts and recipes. She loved music of all kinds and was a voracious reader with wide-ranging interests. She delighted in birds, especially hummingbirds, and found joy in life's small beauties. She will be remembered for her empathy, her steady support, and the light she brought to those fortunate enough to know her. She touched the lives of everyone she met and will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be at 12 noon on Monday December 15, 2025 at the Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River, WI. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund or Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
https://give.kidneyfund.org/page/71544/donate/1
https://give.birds.cornell.edu/page/167686/donate/1