Walter “Ned” Gardner
August 22nd, 1941 - February 25th, 2025
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Ned's Obituary
Walter “Ned” Gardner, 83, of Buchanan, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, March 4, at 4 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 115 W. Front St, Buchanan, with Pastor Pat Ramsden. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the church from 3-4 pm. A private burial will be held at Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or the Prudence E. Gardner Memorial Scholarship Fund. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.swemchapel.com
Ned was born on August 22, 1941, in Auburn, IN, to Willard and Alice (Koos) Gardner. After graduating from Buchanan High School, he went on to attend Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering. During the Vietnam War, Ned proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country until his honorable discharge in1968, when he returned home.
On August 16, 1969, Ned married Prudence “Prudy” McLallin, having two children, Derek and Annette. She passed away on June 5, 1999. On September 28, 2001, he married Louann.
Professionally, Ned worked as a Chief Packing Engineer at Zimmer’s, dedicating 25 years to his career there before retiring. However, his true passion was being on the water—he loved fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River and often caught plenty to share with neighbors. As tennis enthusiasts, Prudy and Ned coached tennis at West Noble High School. A strong supporter of his alma mater, he played a vital role in leading the Buchanan Tennis Team to a State Championship victory in 2006. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, in his younger years often joining baseball games around town. Ned was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church, a loyal friend, and a dedicated family man. His kindness, enthusiasm, and unwavering support for those around him will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ned is survived by his wife, Louann Gardner of Buchanan; children, Derek C. (Chanyang) Gardner of Busan, South Korea, Annette G. Burkhart of Kalamazoo, MI, and son-in-law Kevin M. Burkhart of Kalamazoo, MI; grandchildren, Alexander Gardner, Benjamin Burkhart, and Channing Burkhart; Stepdaughter, Nicole (Steve) Johnson of St. Joseph; step-grandchildren, Jacob, Ben, Gabriel and Greyson and sisters-in-law, Kay Gardner, Penny Johnson, Paula Routson, Pia (Dan) Brauser, Peggy McLallin, and brother-in-law Michael (Dianne) McLallin, He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard & Alice; first wife, Prudence; and brother Willard “Dick” Gardner.
Ned was born on August 22, 1941, in Auburn, IN, to Willard and Alice (Koos) Gardner. After graduating from Buchanan High School, he went on to attend Michigan State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering. During the Vietnam War, Ned proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country until his honorable discharge in1968, when he returned home.
On August 16, 1969, Ned married Prudence “Prudy” McLallin, having two children, Derek and Annette. She passed away on June 5, 1999. On September 28, 2001, he married Louann.
Professionally, Ned worked as a Chief Packing Engineer at Zimmer’s, dedicating 25 years to his career there before retiring. However, his true passion was being on the water—he loved fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River and often caught plenty to share with neighbors. As tennis enthusiasts, Prudy and Ned coached tennis at West Noble High School. A strong supporter of his alma mater, he played a vital role in leading the Buchanan Tennis Team to a State Championship victory in 2006. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, in his younger years often joining baseball games around town. Ned was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church, a loyal friend, and a dedicated family man. His kindness, enthusiasm, and unwavering support for those around him will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ned is survived by his wife, Louann Gardner of Buchanan; children, Derek C. (Chanyang) Gardner of Busan, South Korea, Annette G. Burkhart of Kalamazoo, MI, and son-in-law Kevin M. Burkhart of Kalamazoo, MI; grandchildren, Alexander Gardner, Benjamin Burkhart, and Channing Burkhart; Stepdaughter, Nicole (Steve) Johnson of St. Joseph; step-grandchildren, Jacob, Ben, Gabriel and Greyson and sisters-in-law, Kay Gardner, Penny Johnson, Paula Routson, Pia (Dan) Brauser, Peggy McLallin, and brother-in-law Michael (Dianne) McLallin, He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard & Alice; first wife, Prudence; and brother Willard “Dick” Gardner.
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