Mildred Gardner

To view the livestream service, click on Tribute Wall above then watch now. Life’s journey began on October 14, 1929 in Marshalltown, IA to parents Norval and Ida Mikkelson Rockhill. Her life was shaped by being born the same month as the “The Great Depression’s” beginning and later by the events of World War II. She graduated from Marshalltown HS in 1947 and forsaking a scholarship to ISU she married Leon L. Gardner immediately after graduation. They established their home in Marshalltown until 1960 when they moved with their three sons, Michael, Stephen and Mark to Des Moines. After being a “stay at home mom” for some years she worked for Look Magazine and later for Deluxe Check Printers where she stayed for 24 years before retiring in 1992. The family enjoyed every vacation to explore a different part of the U.S. and later taking grandchildren on trips to California and just the two of them to Europe and Scandinavia. Mildred joined Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in 1958 in Marshalltown and enjoyed serving in many capacities over the years. After moving to Des Moines she joined a newcomers bridge club which stayed together until they couldn’t get a fourth. A life long Lutheran she and Leon were most recently members of Hope Lutheran Church in Johnston. After retirement she and Leon became snowbirds spending winters in Bonita Springs FL for 23 years cultivating many friendships along the way. Mildred was preceded in her passing by her husband Leon and brother Gilbert. She is survived by sons Michael and his wife LaNell, Stephen, Mark and his wife JoNell, grandchildren David and his wife Fran, Patricia Gardner-Gilbert and her husband Brian and Thomas and his partner Nora, and great-grandchildren Anna, Evan, Ella, Brady and Finn. She is also survived by her brother Dick, sister Barbara and her husband Jim, loving nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or to Wesley Life Hospice.