Michael R Gardner

Michael Robert Gardner, 62, of Lakeport, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, December 9, 2017, of heart failure.

Michael was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on June 30, 1955 to Robert and Marion (Parker) Gardner. He graduated from Marysville High School in 1973.

He proudly served in the United States Navy as a diesel mechanic. While in the service, he worked in the Eniwetok Atoll burying nuclear waste from WWII. Michael was a patriot and took his oath to the United States seriously.

He worked at BTM, St. Clair Rubber Company, and Huron Automatic Screw. Michael had his own mechanic business, later worked at Bob Fruin Auto, and Port Huron Area School District keeping busses safe for “precious cargo”. While working as a bus mechanic, PHASD was recognized as having the best maintained bus fleet among the state’s larger school districts, an accomplishment of which he was extremely proud. He transferred to custodial staff at Kimball Elementary and then Roosevelt Elementary where he retired after 26 years of service to the PHASD.

True to his surname, Michael enjoyed gardening and yard work. He was crafty and creative in the yard, garage, and kitchen. He loved to cook…without recipes! He enjoyed travel and the freedom of the road on his motorcycle.

Michael is survived by his love of 18 years, Tina Torello; son, Joshua Michael Gardner; daughter, Kristen Rose Gardner; grandson, Tommy Lee Gardner; father, Robert Gardner; sisters, Theresa (David) Smith and Sharon (Thomas) Headlee; Tina’s parents, Martino and Mary Torello; nieces and nephews, Brian (Heather) Smith, Stephen (Stephanie) Smith, Jason (Jennifer) Headlee, Jordon (Dori) Headlee, Jennifer (Alec) Regalado, Isaiah (Rachel) Moger, Nathan Moger, and their 13 children; former wife, April Gardner; like sons, Randy (Carrie) White and Ron (Eryn) Mathews; special friends, Shawn Christopher and Bob (Lou) Phipps; and countless relatives including Jim Torello, Diane Torello-Moger (George Moger), Antoinette Torello (Michael Kennedy), Gloria Torello (John Arevalo), and Amy Torello (Eugene Liparota). Michael is preceded in death by his mother, Marion Gardner.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Thursday, December 14, 2017 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, December 15, 2017 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home with visitation from 10:00 am. Pastor Bill Kinnan will officiate. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Navy and the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box 326 Chamberlain, SD 57326.

To send condolences, please visit www.pollockrandall.com

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