Larry A. Gardner

Larry Gardner, age 75 of Granger, was born January 5, 1945 in Hammond, IN to the late Raymond and Elizabeth Gardner.   Larry was a graduate of Morton High School and later obtained a degree from Purdue University.  On April 18, 1970 he married Sandra (Kunkel) in Harvey, IL.

Larry is survived by his wife of 50 years, and his sons David (Anne) Gardner of Fishers, IN and Mark (Robyn) Gardner of Mishawaka, IN, Gary (Debbie) Gardner of Elkhart, IN and Scott (Brandy) Gardner of Carmel, IN.   Also surviving are 10 grandchildren that he loved dearly:  Caitlin, Allie, Ethan, Madison, Megan, Brendan, Andrew, Bryce, Matthew, and Mallory.   He is survived by his siblings Ralph (Munster, IN), Clark (Judy) (Mooresville, IN), and Karen (Hammond, IN) and his sister in law Kathy Stockwell of Harvey, Illinois along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Elizabeth and his brothers Wayne, Dennis, Paul, and Greg.

Due to current COVID 19 guidelines, the immediate members of the Gardner family will be in attendance for the 11:00 am funeral service on Monday, November 23, 2020, but they are asking those who wish to view Larry’s service to join our livestream one half hour prior to the service through the following link: facebook.com/CruzFamilyFH .  Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka, Indiana.

Larry worked for Hull Lift Truck for 44 years as a Salesperson.   He loved watching all sports and following everything from high school athletics to college and pro.   Larry also served his community as a little league and basketball coach for many years. He was an avid fan of the Purdue Boilermakers and spent many years attending games.   Larry loved being outside and working in the yard or on projects.   He enjoyed playing cards with friends and family and spending the winters in Florida after his retirement.   He loved taking his Grandchildren to the zoo and his Grandchildren absolutely adored their “Bapa/Grandpa.”   Most importantly, Larry loved his family and friends and was someone you could always count on for anything. While Larry adored his sons, he was proud of and loved his daughters in law.

He was a member of the St Joseph Valley Lodge # 45 and the South Bend Valley Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.   He was an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Mishawaka, a longtime member of the Granger Lions Club, having served in leadership positions, and served on the Penn Booster Club Board for many years.

While our hearts are broken, we know Dad would want us to come together and take care of each other and love immensely.     Dad was the rock we could all count on every day.   Dad was a quiet and humble man.   He was not flashy and his pride was in his family.   He was the most gentle soul most of the time and had the biggest smile.    He was an incredible father who taught each of us a great work ethic and to take pride in all that we did and to treat people the right way.   Dad was a great brother who stayed close with his siblings.   Dad was a great friend to so many and someone his friends could always count on.    We were blessed to have him with us for 75 years and to share so many great memories with him.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made in Larry’s name to Clay Fire Station 1: 18355 Auten Road, South Bend, Indiana 46637 or the American Cancer Society.

Sandi would like to thank Dr. Rafat Ansari and Brandee Flagg of Michiana Hematology for their years of support caring for Larry.    Sandi would also like to thank Dr. James Reidy for his care and concern for Larry over the years, and Dr. Michael House of IU Health Hospital.

To leave condolences for the Gardner family or to view Larry's online video tribute, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.