Francis Gardner

Stoughton - Francis Robert Gardner passed into eternal rest on May 29, 2014, after a brief illness.

Frank was born in Washington County, Iowa, on June 24, 1929, the son of Harry and Bertha (Emde) Gardner. After graduating from North English High School, he farmed with his uncle outside Wellman, Iowa. He was united in marriage with Mildred Jean Kroener on April 18, 1957, in Wellman. Following the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth, Millie and Frank moved to Stoughton, where Frank worked as an inspector at Uniroyal until his retirement.

Frank was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, a retired Stoughton Volunteer Firefighter, and a charter member of the Stoughton EMS. He was active in Kegonsa Masonic Lodge #73 and was looking forward to celebrating 60 years in Masonry in the fall of 2014. He volunteered at the Skaalen Home for several years and was involved in Paws Awhile Teddy Bear Club and the Friendly Paws Den of Good Bears of the World. His hobbies included restoring antique cars and tractors, woodworking, gardening, and "coffee-klatching" with friends.

Frank is survived by his wife and daughter, a brother, Burrell (Connie) Gardner, and thirteen nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Wayne Gardner and Harry Gardner Jr., and a sister, Kathleen Gardner Calvin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at Christ Lutheran Church, 700 County Highway B, Stoughton, WI, with Pastor Scott Geister-Jones presiding. Visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home of Stoughton from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2014, with Masonic Rites at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services on Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or the Stoughton Food Pantry.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com