Patricia "Pat" M. Gardner

Patricia Marie Gardner, age 86, of Lake Crystal, died Sunday, September 25, 2016 at Crystal Seasons in Lake Crystal.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Lake Crystal. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday at Lake Crystal Mortuary with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service and will continue one hour before service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Holy Family Cemetery, Lake Crystal. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Patricia was born September 29, 1929 to Raymond S. and Barbara G. (Brand) Miller in Mankato. She graduated from Loyola High School in 1947. Pat was employed for many years assembling airplane gyroscopes in California. She returned to Mankato and worked at Michael’s Restaurant, Brett’s Department Store, and Automatic Electric. Patricia married William M. “Butch” Gardner on November 25, 1965 in Mankato. After marriage she was a farmwife and mother caring for her family. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the John Roth American Legion Auxiliary. She loved crossword puzzles, big band music, giving to charities, caring for others, animals, especially cats, quiet times, trips to the Casino, and time with her family.

Pat is survived by her two sons, Bill Gardner Jr. and special friend, Jill Kalz and Mike (Kristi) Gardner all of Lake Crystal; two grandchildren, Courtney and Collin of Spooner, WI; five step-grandchildren, Katie (fiancé, Carlos Medina) Hendricks of Lake Crystal, Laura (Jared) Landwer of Shakopee, Kasey (Mitch) Golombiecki of Janesville, Kelly (Eben) Vanrooyen of Lake Crystal, Ryan Poulson of Lake Crystal; four step-greatgrandchildren, Isabella, Macey, Maurella, and Madelyn; sister, Barb Klebel of Aitkin; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Marlene and Jerry Patton of Rochester and Maryalice Weingartz of North Mankato; nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her special friend, Bingo.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William “Butch” on February 3, 2005; and brother, Raymond “Bud” S. Miller, Jr.