OSAGE CITY — Joseph Ronald Gardner, Osage City, died Monday, April 25, 2022, at the Osage Nursing Center, Osage City. He was 91.
He was born July 7, 1930, in Strawn, the son of Joe and Myrtle (Farmer) Gardner. He grew up in the Strawn area, and graduated from Olivet High School in 1948.
Joe served in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954, serving on the USS Curtiss during the hydrogen bomb tests at Eniwetok Atoll.
He married Eunice Redenbaugh Jan. 11, 1953, in Lyndon. To this union, five children were born, Bruce, Kent, Rick, Jeff and Lori. The family settled in Osage City in 1955, and Joe started work at Benner-Williams Furniture and Appliance, Osage City, and was there for 28 years. He then became a securities and insurance agent until his retirement at age 84.
Joe was a longtime member of the Osage City United Methodist Church, the American Legion and the Masonic Lodge. He was also active with Gideons International for many years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice, Dec. 20, 1996; his daughter, Lori Ann Fisher; a grandson, Michael David Gardner; his parents, Joe and Myrtle; and his sister, Doris Gardner.
Joe is survived by his four sons, Bruce Gardner (Donna), Highlands Ranch, Colo., Kent Gardner (Carol), Topeka; Rick Gardner (Dena), Osage City, and Jeff Gardner, Osage City; his longtime companion, Patty Nelson; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the Osage City United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until service time at the church. Burial with military honors will be at the Alpine Cemetery, Osage City.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451.
Condolences may be left at FeltnerFuneralHome.com.
