Patrick Gardner

PATRICK J. 'PAT' GARDNER, 86 POPLAR GROVE - Patrick J. "Pat" Gardner, 86, of Poplar Grove died Sunday, May 11, 2008, in OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, after a short battle with cancer. He was born Oct. 10, 1921, in Chatfield, Minn., the son of Walter and Esther (Sackett) Gardner. Pat was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in the Philippines. He received two Bronze Star's, Purple Heart and the Pacific Victory Medal while serving in the 132nd Red Arrow Division. Pat married Deloris Bremseth on Sept. 22, 1946, in Chatfield. He farmed in Minnesota and worked for Chrysler Corp. in Belvidere prior to his retirement. Pat was an active member of Poplar Grove United Methodist Church and had a great love for gardening. Survived by wife, Deloris; children, James Patrick (JoAnne) Gardner of DeKalb, Wanda (Charles) Marzahl of Harvard, Craig (Sue) Gardner of Belvidere, Merry (Ed) Crowder of Loves Park; grandchildren, Michael, William, Matthew, Becky; great-granddaughter, Rebecca Gardner; brothers, Russell (Doris) Gardner of Florida, Paul (Lois) Gardner of Rochester, Minn., Charles Gardner of Stewartville, Minn., Victor (Jane) Gardner of Winona, Minn., Joseph (Sharon) Gardner of Dexter, Minn.; sister, Doris Gober of Rockford; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; two sisters; and three brothers; Service at 1 p.m. Friday, May 16, in Poplar Grove United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Lisa Kruse-Safford, pastor officiating. Entombment in Highland Garden of Memories. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 15, in Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere. Memorial will be established with the American Cancer Society in Pat's name. To light a candle or to share a memory, please visit buckwheelerhyland.com.