Edward Jack Gardner's Obituary
Edward Jack Gardner, age 88, of Spring Lake went to his eternal rest with our Lord on Sunday, November 21, 2021. He was born March 30, 1933, in Muskegon, MI to George and Ethel (Witte) Gardner, and married Gladys Eva Leonard on June 13, 1953, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Muskegon. Gladys preceded him in death on November 1, 2012.
Jack served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War. He worked at Johnston Boilers, Lakey Foundry and then for most of his working career at Advanced Packaging Corporation as a regional sales manager, retiring December 31, 2009. Jack loved hunting, fishing, traveling, polka dancing, and spending time with his family. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake and the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28, where he served many years on the Honor Guard. Jack was a founding member of the Spring Lake Lions Club. He was a Boy Scout Leader for troop # 14 Spring Lake, served on the Gerald R. Ford Council, where he received his Silver Beaver award from President Gerald R. Ford in person.
Jack is lovingly remembered by his family, daughter Victoria “Vicky” Gardner; four sons: Edward J. (Colleen) Gardner, Jr., Michael “Beans” Gardner, Nick Gardner and Chuck (Lori) Gardner; seven grandchildren: April (Berto) Potter, Angela (Martin) Aleman, Jarod (Cassie) Wolffis, John Gardner, Molly (Christian) Thompson, Jacob Gardner, Sam Gardner; five great-grandchildren: Tony, Evelyn, Jonah, Silas and Eliana. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Gardner.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 13, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Military honors will be accorded Jack by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard. Friends may meet the family on Sunday, June 12, from 1 – 4 p.m. with a Rosary Service at 1:00 p.m. at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in honor of Jack to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Boy Scouts of America – Gerald R. Ford Council or the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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