Kenneth E. Gardner

Kenneth Eugene Gardner, age 88, of Grand Ledge, passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024, in Traverse City, Michigan, just a few short weeks after the passing of his son, Kenneth Gardner, Jr.

Ken was born on October 24, 1935, in Smyrna, Michigan, to Glenn and Bernita (Snyder) Gardner. He grew up farming with his family and learned the value of hard work. Ken graduated from Barryton High School with the class of ’54. After high school, he relocated to Lansing where he first found employment setting up pins at a bowling alley. He soon hired on at Oldsmobile where he worked faithfully for 30 years as a skilled tradesman. After retiring from Oldsmobile, Ken began his second career as the Camp Ranger at Northwoods Scout Reservation. Still not done working, he kept busy driving a tour bus on day trips throughout Michigan.

Many things could be said about Ken’s life. Ken volunteered many years of his life working with the Boy Scouts of America as a Cubmaster and a Scoutmaster. He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Lansing Township Fire Department. Ken loved to bowl and golf, being on various leagues throughout his life. He loved the great outdoors! As often as his spare time permitted, Ken could be found camping, fishing, hunting, or ice fishing- depending on the time of year. His love of hunting has been fully instilled in his sons and grandsons. Family time was very important to Ken and he will be deeply missed.

Those surviving him are his children; Debra (Mike) Heuss of Traverse City, Doug (Julie) Gardner of Battle Creek, Patrick (Amy) Gardner of Charlotte, John (Liz) Gardner of Lansing; step-children, Teresa (Dennis) Armstrong of Traverse City, Jeff Ham of Waco, TX, Nancy Adams of Holt, Laura McClean of Saginaw, Greg Ham of Traverse City; daughter-in-law Jamie (Ken Jr.) Gardner of South Daytona, FL; step-son-in-law Mike (Shari) Acker of Lansing; 24 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren; brother, Gerald Gardner of DeWitt; sister-in-law, Pam (Walt) Gardner of Lansing; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy; parents; sons, Kenneth Gardner Jr. on August 29, 2024, Jeff Gardner; step-daughter, Shari Acker; and his siblings Glenn Gardner Jr., Walter Gardner, and Betty McNeilly.

Funeral services will be held at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 12:00 PM with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Pioneer Cemetery.

Those desiring to make contributions in Ken’s memory are encouraged to support the Hospice organization of their choice.