Norman Dale Gardner

Norman Dale Gardner, age 80, of Boyne City, Michigan died July 16, 2018 following a short illness.

He was born April 28, 1938 in Alma, Michigan, the oldest child of Norman and Clara Gardner.

Norm, as he was known to friends (and Dale to family), graduated from Harrison High School. He secured work as an apprentice at the General Motors Fisher Body plant in Grand Blanc. He studied at the General Motors Management and Technical Institute. He continued to work at the plant, advancing to the position of foreman at what later became part of the Cadillac Motor Car Division. He was well respected by his colleagues as a person with a strong work ethic. He was always the person who’d be given responsibility for poorly performing lines, as management was confident in his ability to quickly make things right. He retired after 35 years in September 1991. While working, he made a home for his family in Grand Blanc, Fenton, and later Flint, Michigan.

Following his retirement, he moved from Flint to Boyne City. He was an active member of the Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers Association, a local group dedicated to the preservation of steam and gasoline powered tractors and machinery essential to the conduct of agriculture and industry. He looked forward to their annual exhibitions, and especially enjoyed leading demonstrations at the shingle mill during kids days. With the call sign of KD8CXO, he was a member of the Straits Area Amateur Radio Club. He was an active member of The First Presbyterian Church of Boyne City. As a father, he served as the leader of his sons’ Boy Scout Troop, and shared his enjoyment of the outdoors and camping.

He married Mary Lou Wynings, of South Lyon, Michigan in October 1957. They had three sons, Dale, of Lake Frederick, Virgnia; Michael, of Sellersburg, Indiana, and John. He was preceded in death by his son John in 1991, and by Mary Lou in 2010.

In April 2012, he married Judy Judkins, of Boyne City. In their short time together, they treasured each other’s companionship. They enjoyed frequent travel, but were happy to return to the tranquility of their home.

Norm is survived by his wife Judy, his sons Dale, and his wife Kristine; Michael, and his wife Cheryl; a stepdaughter Catherine Judkins, of Boyne City; and three siblings, Clair Duane, and his wife Ann, of Memphis; Jean Elaine, and her husband Edgar Bringman of Traverse City; and Marlea Jo Pierce, of Louisville, Kentucky. He is also survived by six grandchildren, a great-grandchild, many cousins and other extended family, and by a host of friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday, July 20, 2018 at 11:00 am at The First Presbyterian Church of Boyne City, 401 South Park Street, Boyne City, Michigan. The service will be preceded by a gathering of family and friends, beginning at 10:00 am. A lunch will follow at the church. Family members will then participate in internment at Maple Lawn Cemetery.

Family and friends wishing to share a thought or memory of Norm are encouraged to do so online at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com.

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