Milton David Gardner passed peacefully at his home in Lund, Nevada, on April 1, 2016, at 97 years of age. He was born eight days after the Armistice ending WWI (November 19, 1918) to David Cannon Gardner and Ruth Burgess Gardner, pioneer settlers of Lund. He was educated at Lund Grade School and Lund High School. He was the last remaining grandchild of Robert Gardner, an 1847 pioneer of the Salt Lake Valley, and later St. George and Pine Valley, Utah.
Milton served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1939 to 1941 in the Southern States Mission. Upon his return to Lund, he was called as Bishop of the Lund Ward.
He married Joan Brandis of East Ely, Nevada, on May 16, 1945, in the Salt Lake Temple. They farmed part of the original family fields and milked dairy cows morning and night for many years while raising their two children.
Milton began working at Kennecott Copper in the Ruth Tire Shop in 1970 and retired from there after making many new friends which he enjoyed.
He served faithfully in many callings in the LDS Church including Branch President of the Duckwater Branch, Lund Ward High Priests Group Leader, Sunday School President, and faithful Home Teacher well into his 90s.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Joan, as well as daughter, Ann Louise (Ralph) Alger of Spring Creek, Nevada, and son, Brent (Nina) Gardner of Lund. He was so proud of his 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Daddy witnessed the first car to drive into Lund and has lived to see the amazing technology of today. He was color-blind as well as suffering from Macular Degeneration in his later years. The perfect tribute to his memory would be to wear bright colors as he can now see all the beautiful bright shades and hues.
Services will be held at the Lund LDS Church on April 9, 2016. Viewing is from 10:00-10:50 with the funeral service beginning at 11:00. Interment immediately following the service at the Lund Cemetery.
Sweet Joan, I was saddened to read about Milton. You are often in my mind and I am sending love and prayers to you. I don’t think I have every know two nicer people.
Nancy
Joan,
I met you and Milton while working for Dr Willes. I enjoyed talking to Milton whenever the two of you would come to the office. Milton was a very interesting man to talk to and will be missed dearly. You and your family are in my prayers..
Audrey Christiansen
I am so sorry to hear about Milt. I am glad he had a long and happy life as well as a wonderful family. Milt worked with my father Fred Anderson in the KCC tire shop in Ruth NV for many years. They were good friends. I always thought that Milt was one of the nicest people I had ever met. Regards to all of the family.
I truly wish I would have spent more time with you two in my adult years. Uncle Milton, I’ll never forget climbing in your trees and helping you with the corn from time to time as we would pass through. I miss you dearly. Aunt Joan, I miss you and hope to see you soon. All my love always, Teesha