Jere D. Gardner

Jere D. Gardner, age 92, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:00am until the time of service. Burial with military honors will be held at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
Jere was born on October 1, 1933, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, to Claude and Mildred (Love) Gardner. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951 and then went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Navy where he met his wife Donna Bointy. They were married on November 8, 1953, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
Jere worked at the Biron Paper Mill for 12 years before joining the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department. He served as a police officer and eventually served as detective and inspector, proudly dedicating his career to law enforcement until his retirement in 1989.
He enjoyed spending time with family, friends, hunting and fishing. He loved being with his wife and enjoyed her company until she passed in 2017.
Jere is survived by his children, Bill (Rita) Gardner of Black River Falls, Robert Gardner (Lisa Buono) of Wisconsin Rapids, Barry (Mary Lou) Gardner of Wisconsin Rapids, and Kimberly Robison of Wisconsin Rapids; ten grandchildren, Nicholas Gardner, Daniel Gardner, JD Gardner, Danielle Gardner, Jesse Gardner, Alexandra Gardner, Allyssa Robison, Kristy Norton, Austin Lester and Timothy Gardner; seven great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; brother, Stephen (Lisa) Gardner; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Donna Gardner; parents; sister, Jean Kauthe; and brother, Robert Gardner.
Family will welcome any memories to share on the obituary tribute wall.
Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.