Mark Robert Gardner, of Oakland, IA, the son of Mark and Dorothy (Rhoades) Gardner, was born September 25, 1937, in Council Bluffs, IA. Mark died on June 29, 2024, at the Council Bluffs Country House, in Council Bluffs, IA, at the age of 86 years, 9 months, and 4 days.
Mark graduated from Oakland High School and then entered the Army in 1956. He was Honorably discharged in 1958. Mark met his wife Jan on a ski trip in Colorado. He married Janice Svevad on August 15, 1978, in Reno, Nevada. They made their home on the farm east of Oakland.
Mark was a farmer and cattleman his entire life. He was a member of Cattleman’s Association, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, and was a true Republican.
Mark was an avid skier and enjoyed his ski trips each winter in Durango with his grandchildren. He was a car enthusiast and enjoyed his winter to Arizona to attend car shows and visit family. Flying was his passion, Mark held a private pilot’s license and loved flying his Cessna 172. He loved animals, especially cattle, cats, and dogs
Mark is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice on December 21, 2002; his brothers, James and Harry; and his sister Emily Gardner.
He is survived by the next generation of Gardner brothers: Jacob Mark Gardner of Omaha, NE, James Tyler (Gina) Gardner of Buffalo, WY, John Weston Gardner and Jeff Harry Wyatt Gardner of Sheridan, WY; his sister-in-law LuAnn Gardner of Sheridan, WY; his daughter Joeth Zucco; his step daughters, Gina (Les) Smith of Tucson, AZ, and Jana Woods of Scottsdale, AZ; numerous grandchildren; special friend Ann Miller of Council Bluffs, IA; friend and confidant Roger Bentley of Oakland, IA; and friend Jen Brown of Council Bluffs, IA. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.
Don’t worry Mark. Roger is still keeping an eye on the farm.
A graveside service for Mark will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Oakland. Visitation with the family will be held at the Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family with arrangements.
