Gardner, Wayne

Wayne Gardner, 87, of Iowa City, died Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at St. Marks United Methodist Church, Iowa City, with visitation from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday at Gay & Ciha Funeral Service in Iowa City, with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. Interment, with military honors, will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Iowa City.

Wayne Gardner was born April 8, 1923, in Washington County, Iowa, the son of Bertha (Emde) and Harry Gardner Sr. He graduated from North English High School in 1941. He attended Kirkwood Community College, earning his certificate in welding. Wayne served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. On June 8, 1950, Wayne married Goldie Burkley in Kalona. He worked as a plumber at the University of Iowa for 18 years and the VA Hospital for 14 years. He spent 18 months in Greenland on an expedition for North Atlantic contractors.

Wayne and Goldie were both longtime residents of Iowa City, living here since 1950. Wayne was a longtime member of St. Marks United Methodist Church, active in the Masonic, White Shrine and OES organizations both locally and on the state level, as well as being a member of the Iowa City American Legion. One of Wayne's pleasures was being one of the Crazy Clowns with the KAABA Temple Shrine. Wayne volunteered many years at the Senior Center in Iowa City, where he was able to continue his love for cooking.

His family includes their children, Joyce Rossie (Jim) of Iowa City, Allan Gardner (Brenda) of West Branch, Julie Barnes (Art) of Iowa City, Joanne Moore (Steve) of Iowa City and Arthur Gardner (Julie) of Council Bluffs; 19 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Frank and Burrell Gardner; as well as special friend, Lorene Frenzen.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie; his parents; sister, Kathleen Calvin; and brother, Harry Gardner II.

Wayne's family would like to acknowledge the great care and compassion the doctors and nurses of 7W (VAMC) shared with Wayne and his family, making these last two weeks as enjoyable and memorable as they could have been, Thank You!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital or Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to Wayne's family through the web at

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City is caring for Wayne's family and his services.