John Joseph Gardner

He was born July 11, 1938 in Wells, Mich. the son of Arthur and Priscilla (St. Thomas) Gardner.

He graduated from Escanaba Schools and served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957 stationed in Korea. John was a welder at Harnischfeger Corporation for 28 years until his retirement in 1982.

John married Judy Marie Joki in Wakefield, Mich. on May 5, 1962. They shared 41 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2003.

Several years later, John met Florence King during conversations in their adjoining back yards. He quickly became an important part of her life and of the King family. John and Flo were a perfect match and caring companions until his passing on Sunday.

John was a lifetime member of Elks Lodge 354 and enjoyed working on their monthly breakfasts. He was a very talented woodcarver and was a member of the Bay de Noc Carvers. John traveled to Nebraska for woodcarving seminars and gifted beautiful animal, Native American, Christmas Santas, and nativity sets for friends and family. He was a talented artist and painter. In younger years, John was a member of the local bowling league and played fast pitch. He enjoyed golf and was a member of the Highland Golf Club. He joined his friends for morning coffee at Rosy’s Diner and was involved with his brother and nephews in auto racing for many years.

There was not a more helpful man than John. He was a doer. If a neighbor or family member needed something done, he was always there. John produced a beautiful vegetable garden and was an excellent cook. There was always extra chili and enough to share. He and Florence enjoyed road trips and spending time at the farm in Perronville watching the deer. They had many laughs over games of dice and cards and their Packer/Lion rivalry. John enjoyed a good brandy and water and homemade chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. We will all truly miss him.

John is survived by his brother Raymond (Ardene) and their children Raymond Jr., Pam, and Mike (Jennifer); his sister Arlone Lancour and her children Brenda, Arlone Marie (Ryan), and Sandy; sister-in-law Joyce LeGassa and her children Jody and Paul; his loving partner, Florence King and her children Susan (John), Sandy (Bob Hewitt), Tom (Nancy), and Barb; grandsons Nathan, Maxwell, Owen, Luke and Dean; granddaughter Audrey, great-grandchildren Marlo and Jax; special neighbor and friend, Karl Burch.

He was preceded in death by his wife Judy and infant daughter Penny, his parents, and brothers-in-law Don Lancour, Paul Joki, and Paul LeGassa.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 13 from 4 to 5:45 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. The Escanaba Elks Lodge 354 will have a memorial service at 5:45 p.m. with military honors to immediately follow with the Delta County Veterans Council. The funeral service will follow at 6:15 p.m. with Rev. Rick Courier officiating.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 14 at 1 p.m. at Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Escanaba Elks Lodge 354.

At the request of the family, masks are required regardless of vaccination status.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Gardner family.