Gardner, Thomas J.

Thomas J. Gardner (1950-2009)

Thomas J. Gardner, 59, died at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, following a sudden illness. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the University of Northern Iowa, Lang Hall Auditorium, Cedar Falls. The family will begin receiving visitors at 9:30 a.m. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Flowers or plants may be delivered to the Lang Hall Auditorium Saturday morning between 8 to 9:30 a.m.

Tom was born June 24, 1950, to Donald B. and Vivian M. (Bedard) Gardner in Waterloo. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1968 and graduated from Iowa State University in 1973, with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He had been the owner of Gardner Architecture, P.L.C., Strawberry Point, Iowa, for the last 27 years.

Tom married Beverly K. Shaw in Cedar Falls on Nov. 22, 1975. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Annie (Hollis) Weller of Joliet, Ill.; son, Jesse of Strawberry Point; sister, Julianne (Neil) Kahn of Waterloo; brothers, Mark Gardner of Waterloo, Lee (Donna) Gardner of Owensboro, Ky., and Scott (Laura) Gardner of Albany, Ill.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, two infant sisters, and two infant brothers.

Tom was professionally involved in AIA Iowa, having served as the chairman of the AIA Iowa Professional Development Committee and the executive secretary of the AIA Board of Directors. He also served on the Clayton County Historic Preservation Commission and the Clayton County Board of Review.

Tom was very active as one of Jehovah's Witnesses for nearly 30 years and also served actively with the Iowa Regional Building Committee for more than 20 years. His family was very important to him, and he was an excellent husband and father.

Tom will be very much missed by his family and many, many wonderful friends.