Norman Gardner

Norman Albert Gardner, 74 of Alexandria, MN passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 in Harlingen, Texas after suffering a stroke.

Norman was born in Starbuck, MN, on July 22, 1945.  He attended Glenwood High School and Alexandria Technical School in Alexandria, MN.  He married Donna Lewis on July 16, 1966.  They had 3 children, Allen, Todd & Amy.  They lived mostly in the Glenwood and Lowry, MN area.  He worked for Glenwood Machine Company, MN DNR, worked at a dairy farm part-time and various other jobs.  In 1971 he started working at 3M in Alexandra, MN where he worked until his retirement in 2005.

In 1982 he met and married Jurene Ellwanger.  Jurene had two daughters – Robin & Jennifer.  They raised their blended family with the 5 children and were married for 38 years.

After retirement he and Jurene began wintering in Weslaco, Texas.  It was one of his biggest goals to winter where it was warm.  They had been in Weslaco for the last 15 winters.  With his love of conversation he made many friends and enjoyed wood carving and helping with any project that Jurene volunteered him for.

He will always be remembered for his gift of gab – he would always take the time to visit with anyone-anywhere-at any time.  There wasn’t a person out there that he couldn’t start a conversation with.

He is survived by his wife, Jurene; sons Allen/Pam and Todd/Shiela; daughters Robin/Tim, Amy/Jeffrey and Jennifer; 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; sister Phylis and brother Larry,

He was preceded in death by parents Neal and Alice, sister Harriet and brother Russell.

A memorial service will be held on January 24, 2020 at 11 AM at First Lutheran Church, Alexandria, MN.