Richard M. Gardner

Richard Gardner, age 68, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 22, 2008. Dick was born in Appleton on July 27, 1940, son of the late Milan and Lorraine Gardner. He was a 1958 graduate of Appleton High School, and was proud to have served his country as a member of the United States Navy. For well over thirty years, he worked both as a dispatcher and a driver for Fore Way Express, and later retired from UP Special Delivery. Richard was an avid NASCAR fan and loved Packers and Brewers Games. He always enjoyed his get-a-ways to the Northwoods, and the company of his grandchildren brought a special twinkle to his eyes.

Richard will be remembered by all as a courageous man who always kept a positive outlook on life, even if his own circumstances were less than good. He always had a quick wit and keen sense of humor, as his friends at the Lox Club and the Pioneer II will attest to!

Survivors include his wife: Muriel Gardner, whom he married on May 13, 1988 at Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton; three daughters: Lynn (Rick) Schwandt, Lori Gardner, and Mindy (Paul) Wypiszynski; a son: Kyle (Peggy) Gardner; five grandchildren: Stephen and Alyssa Schwandt, Ryan and Emily Wypiszynski, and Tyler Gardner; two sisters: Germaine (Pat) Anderson and Janet (Jim) Nystrom; and his former wife, June Gardner, all of Appleton.

Dick is also survived by Muriel's children: Debbie (Paul) Peters of Combined Locks, Michele (Mark) Rollo of Little Chute, Brian (Tracy) Stoeger of Darboy, Stephanie (Greg) Biedscheid of Oshkosh, Jeff (Luanne) Stoeger of Little Chute, and Danielle (Todd) Vanevenhoven of Combined Locks. The grandchildren are Nic and Lindsay Peters, Matt and Ashley Rollo, Alex and Cody Stoeger, and Britney, Caitlin, and Michael Biedscheid. Dick is also survived by two brothers-in-law: Dave (Marianna) Iverson of Colorado and Stewart Iverson of Appleton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Clarissa Gardner, by Muriel's parents Warren and Phyllis Diley, and by a beloved granddaughter, Courtney Biedscheid.

Funeral services for Richard will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 601 E. Glendale Avenue in Appleton with Rev. Daniel Thews officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again Tuesday at the church from 10:00 AM until the hour of the services.

Dad, We love you and you meant the world to us. We will miss you. Enjoy your “walk” in heaven. Until we meet again, Lynn, Lori, Mindy, and Kyle.

Dad, There are not enough words to express what you've brought to my life. I'm a better person for the endless love you've given me and the nurturing friendship you've shown me. I will always love you, never forget you, and carry you in my heart forever. Thank you for everything you've given me. In my heart, you'll always be. Love, your “private duty nurse”, your “girl”, and your daughter, Danielle.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231