William Byron Gardner

William "Bill" Byron Gardner was born on November 21st, 1952, in Norwich, Connecticut and baptized in the Baptist faith as a child. He served in the Navy from the age of 20 to 23, during the years of 1972 - 1975. Bill then resided in Connecticut for several years, and later moved to live with his mother, Adele, and father, Willard to Minnesota to take care of his brother David. We joked with him many times about how in his younger days, he was a ladies' man and he fondly talked about the love of riding his Harley.

Bill's son, Anthony, is grateful for the time he was able to spend with Bill after he moved back to Minnesota. They grew close and enjoyed many visits and phone calls. The only thing Bill enjoyed more than riding his Harley and drawing, was talking about his many children. He talked about them with great pride and had many stories he enjoyed sharing.

Sadly, William passed at his home in Minnesota on February 5, 2025 at the age of 72. 

He leaves behind his sisters, Wendy and Dawn; his children: William, Scott, Keri, Shannon, Amy, Holly, Tim, Adrienne, and Anthony (fiancée Dana Reinke) of Long Prairie, MN; his special friend, Joyce Ehalt of Glenwood, MN; 17 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. He is processed in death by maternal and paternal grandparents; parents, Adele and Willard Gardner; and his brother, David Gardner. 

"Talk atcha later, dad." "Dear God, I humbly ask you to hear this prayer for the soul of my father. Please allow him to transition into your heavenly circle of hosts. Forgive any sins he has weighing on his soul and allow him to bask in the light of your grace and mercy so that he lives with you in paradise forever, Amen."