Donald Gardner

GARDNER, Donald Martin - Age 81, of Swartz Creek passed away June 30, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family. Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Luekemia Research Dept at U of M Hospital, Ann Arbor. Arrangements are under the direction of Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. Donald was born the son of the late Denver M. and Frances E. (Flood) Gardner on August 13, 1933. He attended Flint Central High School and graduated in 1951. Don served in the Korean Conflict and worked in the insurance and financial business all his life. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, hunting and fishing in his earlier years and spending time with his family. Don was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Swartz Creek, Fenton Knights of Columbus and American Legion. He was united in marriage to the former Romaine (Tarkowski) at St. Stanislaus Church in Bay City on November 9, 1957. The family moved to Swartz Creek 21 years ago from Fenton. Besides his wife of 57 years he is survived by son Jeff of Attica; Daughters Cindy of Swartz Creek, Teresa (soon to be son-in-law Russ Reed) of Mackinaw City; brother Duane (Delores) Gardner of Flushing; half brother Daniel (Priscilla) Gardner of Long Beach, Mississippi; half sisters Marty (Larry) Guy of Alger, Peggy (Dennis) Zitterkoph of Clare, Melody Kretzachmer of Corunna; step-sister Connie (Bob) Klatt of Owosso; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by a special uncle, Bill Flood of Leland, Mississippi. Don was preceded in death by parents, Denver (Margaret) Gardner; mother, Frances Moss; in-laws Felix and Veronica Tarkowski; siblings Pam Bennet, Dana Van Houten; step-sisters Pauline Eva, Jean Daly; special niece Kimberly (Gardner) Woodhall. Thank you to our friend and neighbor Val, his nurse Dawn, Dr. Peram, Dee and Duane for all of their support through this difficult time. Tributes may be shared on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.