Tom Gardner

Thomas “TR” Richard Gardner, age 71 of Barrett, died peacefully at home Friday, November 9, 2018, after a one year battle with cancer.

Tom was born on March 18, 1947, to Rolland and Marilyn (Linde) Gardner in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Tom was in the Air Force from 1966 – 1970, serving in Viet Nam from 1968 to 1969. On May 20, 1967, he was united in marriage to Joan Ronallo, and to this union at daughter, Michelle was born. Tom graduated from the U of M with a Bachelor of Arts, Journalism Degree. He spent 45 years as an Advertising Agent. He also was a substitute teacher/schedule coordinator for ten years for the West Central Area Schools. He loved this job; always wishing he would have started sooner.  He served as Chapter Chairman of Ducks Unlimited, was the Lake Association president, a member of the American Legion, and Peace Lutheran Church council president.

Tom loved sports, especially his beloved Vikings.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary; sister, Barb; sisters-in-law, Priscilla Gardner, Marjorie Gardner; brothers-in-law, John Ronallo, Steve Zimmerman, Steve Lind, and mother-in-law, Jaunita.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Michelle, brothers, Chuck (Diane), David (Jan) and Greg (Mary); sister-in-law, Cheryl; brothers-in-law, Geno, Joe (Barb), Dean (Jacqui); and father-in-law, Richard Ronallo.

A special thanks to the Knute Nelson Hospice Team. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00PM Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Peace Lutheran Church, Barrett with Reverend Denise Croskey officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Wednesday at Erickson-Smith Funeral Home, Elbow Lake, resuming one hour prior to the service at the church.

Online condolences: www.EricksonSmithFH.com