Memorial
Michael “Mike” K. Gardner, age 62, passed away Friday, January 16, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family, due to complications from Alzheimer’s.
He is survived and missed by his loving wife of forty-four years, Christine “Chris;” sons Chad (Kimberly Morning) and James (Erin); and mother Gloria Rodriguez. He will also be missed by grandchildren: Kiaya, Nick, and Gabby; sisters Debbie Strope (Wanda Williams); Cindy (Scott) Nye; Tracy (Pancho) Calderon; brother Dan Johnson; as well as second mom Cheryl; other brother Shawn; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Linda and Bernie Dixon.
He was preceded in death by father Keith, second father Tom, sisters Janis and RaeLee, and brother Justin.
Mike was born October 13, 1952 in Cedar Rapids. He graduated George Washington High School in 1970, where he met and married the love of his life. He worked at Wilsons/Farmstead for twenty-two years, where he became union president (AFL/CIO P.C.3). He subsequently worked at Goodyear, Mt. Vernon Road for sixteen years.
His pride and joy were his boys, his grandchildren, and his large family. He also enjoyed the Chicago Bears, the Megonigle Race Team (Go Big Dog!), and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
A visitation will be held Tuesday evening, January 20, 2015, at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at the chapel. A memorial service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m.
His ready smile and razor wit will be greatly missed. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.”
A memorial fund in Mike’s name has been established.