Fredrick "Gene" Eugene Gardner

Fredrick "Gene" Eugene Gardner, 88, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Gene was born on August 16, 1937, in Blackford County, Indiana, to Grant Gardner and Sadie (Berrier) Gardner. He was one of eight children and is survived by his brother, Darrel Gardner.

A 1956 graduate of Hartford City High School, Gene married the love of his life, Aneta K. Wentz, on May 17, 1959. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and adventure, sharing more than 67 wonderful years of marriage.

Gene proudly served his country in the Indiana National Guard and the Army Reserve as a Lt. Colonel. Throughout his career, he was known for his strong work ethic, working at 3M, Overhead Door Corporation, and Gripco Fasteners while in Blackford County. In 1993 Gene and Aneta made their home in Missouri where he retired from York Casket. During retirement Gene enjoyed working at Bass Pro and the Golf Course prior to returning to their hometown in 2013.

Gene embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He and Aneta created countless memories traveling across the United States and Canada in their well-known red van. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, traveling, and staying busy in his shed, where he crafted beautiful birdhouses. Many friends and family members treasure one of Gene's handmade birdhouses, each serving as a lasting reminder of his generosity, creativity, and love.

Gene's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Aneta Gardner; his daughter, Sabrina "Sib" Anderson and her husband, Neil Anderson; his son, Eric Gardner and his wife, Dana Gardner; his grandchildren, Brittany Turner and her husband, Jordon Turner, Emily Morrow and her husband, Andy Morrow, Abby Smith and her husband, Blake Smith, and Spencer Anderson; as well as six beloved great-grandchildren, Reagan, Madison, Benjamin, Remington, Hattie, and Maisie.

Gene will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering dedication to his family, generous spirit, and willingness to lend a helping hand. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the friendships he cultivated, and the many handcrafted gifts that continue to bring joy to those who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services for Gene will be at 12:00 noon Saturday, July 11th in the Zion Lutheran Church, 308 S. Monroe St., with his nephew, Rev. Matthew Manning of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Anderson, IN, presiding. Burial immediately follows at the Hartford City Cemetery, with military graveside rites rendered by the U.S. Army and the Delaware County Veterans Organization.

Friends may call at the church, also on Saturday, from 10a.m. until 12:00 noon.

Memorials may be made in Gene’s name to the Zion Lutheran Church, or the donor’s favorite charity.