Patrick J. "Pat" Gardner, 86, of Poplar Grove, IL died Sunday afternoon, May 11, 2008 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center after a short battle with cancer. He was born October 10, 1921 in Chatfield, MN the son of Walter and Esther (Sackett) Gardner. Pat was a decorated veteran of World War Two, serving in the US Army in the Philippines. He received two Bronze Star's, a Purple Heart and the Pacific Victory Medal while serving in the 132nd Red Arrow Division. Pat was proud to speak to his grandson, Matthew's 6th grade class about his military service. Pat married Deloris Bremseth on September 22, 1946 in Chatfield. He farmed while living in Minnesota and was a Dairy Herdsman for a dairy farm. He became a boiler man at the milk plant before moving to northern Illinois in September of 1967. Pat worked at the Belvidere-Chrysler Plant for 17 years in the paint department as a relief man.He was a former Sunday school teacher in Minnesota, an active member of Poplar Grove United Methodist Church, and had a great love for gardening.Pat is survived by his wife, Deloris; children, James Patrick (JoAnne) Gardner of DeKalb, IL, Wanda (Charles) Marzahl of Harvard, IL, Craig (Sue) Gardner of Belvidere, IL; Merry (Ed) Crowder of Loves Park, IL; grandchildren, Michael, William, Matthew, Becky; great-granddaughter, Rebecca Gardner; brothers, Russell (Doris) Gardner of FL, Paul (Lois) Gardner, Rochester, MN, Charles Gardner of Stewartville, MN, Victor (Jane) Gardner of Winona, MN, Joseph (Sharon) Gardner of Dexter, MN; sister Doris Gober of Rockford, IL; numerous nieces and nephews. Pat is predeceased by his parents; sisters, Rosemary, Marge;brothers, Tom, Mick and Don.

A memorial will be established with the American Cancer Society in Pat's name.