David R. Gardner, age 91, a resident of Eagle River, WI and formerly of Newburg, WI and Sheboygan Falls, WI, passed away on Friday September 15, 2017 at the Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff, WI.
David was born on February 6, 1926 in Milwaukee, WI to Cameron and Virginia Gardner. David proudly served in the US Marine Corp during WWII (1944-1946) in the Pacific. He was wounded and received a Purple Heart for action on Iwo Jima. While serving there he was a witness to the Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima. He worked for over 35 years at the Wisconsin Electric Power Co. starting as a lineman and retiring as a district supervisor. David was an avid hunter who loved going on many hunting trips throughout the United States. He had many hunting dogs (all named Hoot) to help him. He also enjoyed shooting trap. David was a member of the Marine Corp. League, many local gun clubs and a member of the Boulder Bucks. David was a 2009 Stars and Stripes Honor Flight attendee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cameron and Virginia; brother, Jim Gardner; and sisters: Dorothy, Jean, and Mary. He is survived by his lovely wife Elsie Gardner and his sons: Mark Gardner, Leif Gardner, Kevin Gardner, and Cam Gardner; grandchildren: Leif, Shane, Travis, Keely Chamberlin, Micah, Aaron, Kirsten, Jesse, Sarah, Kasey Bandy, Nathan Bandy, Natalie Bandy, Tess Bandy. Casey, Corie Mackenzie, Caitlin, Jenna and Jacob; 26 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Phelps, WI. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com