Cheryl Lea “Tootie” Gardner (Karr)

Cheryl Lea “Tootie” Gardner (Karr)

Wellman

Cheryl Lea “Tootie” Gardner (Karr) passed away suddenly on September 29, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital. There will be a Graveside Committal Service at a later date.

She was born on March 19, 1939, in Wellman, IA to Harold and Gayle (Yoder) Gardner. Cheryl graduated “Class of 1958” from Mid-Prairie Community School, “Home of the Wildcats”, in Wellman. After graduation she attended the Paris Academy of Beauty in Iowa City and graduated in 1959. Cheryl worked as a Parking Meter Attendant in 1965, for the Iowa City Police Department. She found her passion as a Beauty Operator, for 55 years, in her hometown of Wellman. Cheryl also worked part-time for the after-school program at Wellman Community School.

Cheryl enjoyed “Retirement”, spending time with family, especially when her grandson would visit, also enjoyed gambling, sitting outside and taking care of her rose bushes, and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes play. She always had a love for cats, and was always thinking of others.

She is survived by her children, Mel Karr and Stacy (Shelly) Karr; grandson Colton Slaubaugh; siblings, Becky Gardner Johns and Brad (Becky) Gardner; and several nieces and nephews.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her longtime partner of 45 years, Gene Redlinger; her parents; brother Ed Gardner and sister-in-law Carylon Gardner.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at iowacremation.com under Obituaries.