William Gardner

William M. Butch Gardner Sr., age 71 of rural Lake Crystal died Thursday, February 3, 2005 at V.A. Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Butch has lived at the Minnesota Veterans Home, Luverne, MN since 1998.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Family Catholic Church, Lake Crystal, with Rev. John Wilmont officiating. Interment with military honors in Holy Family Cemetery. Visitation on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at Lake Crystal Mortuary, with a Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. Visitation continues one hour before services at church on Tuesday.

He was born June 17, 1933 in Garden City Township, Blue Earth Co. to William B. and Mary Ann ( Smothers) Gardner. Butch graduated from Garden City High School in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army from Dec. 1954 to Sept. of 1956. He was united in marriage to Patricia M. Pat Miller on November 20, 1965 in Mankato. Butch was a rural Mail Carrier for 25 years, retiring in 1995 and he also farmed in Judson Township. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, and the Church Mens Club. Other memberships include: American Legion Post #294, Lake Crystal, Buffalo Grovers, Blue Earth Co. S.W.C.D., N.A.R.F.E., Garden City Rod and Gun Club, Ducks Unlimited, Blue Earth Co. Fair Board, and Rural Letter Carriers Assoc. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, playing cards, cooking, traveling, farming, gardening and volunteering.

Butch is survived by his wife, Patricia Pat ; two sons, Bill (Lori) Gardner Jr., Mike Gardner all of Lake Crystal; two grandchildren, Courtney and Collin; three sisters, Mildred (Frank) Weingartz of North Mankato, Maryalice Weingartz of Mankato, Marlene (Jerry) Patton of Rochester; nephews, nieces, cousins and his dog, Jake.

He was preceded in death by his father, William B in 1958, mother, Mary in 1993 and a brother-in-law, Don Weingartz.