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Robert Wesley Gardner, Sr.
Born: 1/4/1934
Died: 5/7/2025
Age: 91
Community: Traverse City, MI
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Obituary for
Robert (Bob) Wesley Gardner, Sr.
January 4, 1934 to May 7, 2025
It is with such sadness that the Gardner family announces the passing of our beloved father & grandfather Robert (Bob) Wesley Gardner Sr, a most kind, sweet and humble gentleman. Robert was a pillar of humility and meekness, always happy to take a back seat to see others he loved receive honor and praise.
Despite his humble nature, Robert led a very accomplished life. He was born and raised in Caledonia, and was an academic and athletic standout throughout his school years. His senior year, he was an all A student voted class president & captain of his varsity basketball team. He was accepted to the University of Michigan, quite an accomplishment for a small town youth. He excelled at Michigan, and joined the US Air Force upon graduation, entering as a lieutenant. It was there he met his bride of 67 years, Paula Sandoval, a fellow lieutenant, to whom he loyally loved to her death this past March.
Robert had a successful career as an engineer at Consumers Energy. He had a beautiful retirement, splitting residences between northern Michigan and Puerto Rico. He was an obsessive golfer, but also loved ice-fishing, boating, snorkeling, gardening, and adoring his wife. His most remarkable accomplishment was his kind, unselfish nature. Even at the end when he and Paula resided together in assisted living, he would always direct the nurses and caregivers to take care of his wife and leave him be. He was blessed to receive Last Rites and the Apostolic Blessing from a priest on his deathbed. All Glory be to God!
Robert leaves behind his son, Robert (Bob) Gardner, Jr. (Keri) and daughter Sharon Burnor (Jim), grandchildren Matt Burnor (Hannah), Jerod Gardner (Jenna), Maria Gamrat (Shane), and Cassidy Meza (Anthony). He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Kennedy & Kara Burnor, and Leo Meza, and little baby boy Gamrat due next month. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Paula (Sandy) Gardner, and son, Randall (Randy) Gardner, each who passed in March, 2025 and November, 2024 respectively.
The family has chosen a small, private funeral mass and burial at the VA Cemetery in Holly to honor our dad and grandpa. In lieu of flowers, what better way to honor this lovely soul than to emulate his kindness, humility, and soft-heartedness to everyone around us as a tribute to the inspirational life that he led. |
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5/14/2025 |
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| Funeral Service |
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