Marvin L. Gardner

PORTAGE  --  Marvin L. Gardner, age 75, of Portage, went to his forever home on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital in Portage.

Marvin was born on January 24, 1940 to Lyle and Helen (Clark) Gardner in Reedsburg.  He grew up in the Reedsburg LaValle area.  At a very young age, he married his high school sweetheart JoAnn Marshall.  They had six children.  Marvin had many jobs in the early years to support his family.  He and JoAnn separated in 1969.  Marv owned the Rookies Bar in North Freedom for six years, which he sold in 1983.  He then went back to semi driving, from which he retired in 2002.  In 1984, he married Janet Arntson Golke.  Marv was an avid bowler and enjoyed throwing horseshoes.  He and Janet enjoyed traveling and camping with friends and family.  After retirement, Marv enjoyed his garden and feeding and watching the birds in his yard.

He is survived by his wife, Janet;  brothers, Duane (Ruth) Gardner, and Donald Gardner;  his children, Terry Gardner, Reinald (Lynn) Gardner, Jeff (Cindy) Gardner, Jackie (Sam) Galigher, and Tim Gardner;  stepsons, John (Donna) Golke, and William (friend, Joy) Golke;  20 grandchildren;  19 great-grandchildren;  2 great-great grandchildren;  many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law, Laura Arntson, his father-in-law, Oscar Arntson, his son, James Gardner, and his older brother, Leroy.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, with the Rev. Diane Vielhuber officiating.  Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.