Michael Andrew Gardner
Michael Andrew Gardner, 73, died on April 18, 2022, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He graduated from East Greene High School in 1967 where he was active in baseball, basketball, football and chorus. After graduation, he attended Boone Junior College. He later received a bachelor’s degree from Marycrest College. On Aug. 15, 1969, he married Nancy Peterson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson.
Mike worked at Juhl Feed Store in Dana and the Greene County REC as a lineman. He was also a part-time member of the Iowa Army National Guard. In 1975, they moved to rural Jefferson where they lived for 18 years. He raised hogs on the acreage. He was active in Little League, serving as coach, umpire and board member. He was an active member and usher at Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1991, he began full-time work for the Iowa Army National Guard and moved to Johnston in 1993 where he continued his successful military career.
Mike served his State and Nation in the Iowa Army National Guard for more than 42 years, retiring as a colonel on March 1, 2011. During his long career, Mike served in a number of important assignments, including: company commander, battalion commander, counterdrug coordinator, chief of staff and United States Property and Fiscal officer. Mike received many awards and decorations, including: the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. During his extensive service, Mike was also awarded a host of service medals. After his retirement, Mike continued to serve the State of Iowa in the Iowa Department of Public Defense as the state comptroller.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Andy Gardner (Lisa); daughter, Amy Timmerman (Doug); mother, Delite Monahan; and many other relatives.