Robert A. Gardner

Robert Alexander Gardner, 70, Green Bay, passed on to his eternal life at his home on May 20, 2014, after a 12-year brave battle with heart disease.

Robert was born on April 12, 1944, in Erie PA to Robert D. & Daisy Pearl (Calvert) Gardner.

He attended Algoma Grade School and graduated from Algoma High School in 1962. During his senior year, he joined the Navy Reserves and was stationed in Washington DC after his graduation. He served in active duty on the USS Amherst during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

On June 28, 1964, he was united in marriage with Karen Schabow at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Algoma WI.

He joined the Green Bay Police Dept. in 1966 and was then offered a job on the Algoma Police Dept. in 1968 where he attained the rank of Sergeant during his 18 years of service. He became Kewaunee County's first investigator in 1986 and became lead detective until his retirement in 1997. Bob received his Associate Degree in Police Science from NWTC and received numerous certificates for continuous education including Death Investigation School.

Bob was a charter member of the Algoma Optimist's Club, past president of the Algoma Lions Club, a certified EMT for the Algoma Fire & Rescue Squad. He also worked part time for the WI DNR and was a Humane Officer for the City of Algoma.

Bob received his Private Pilot's license from Richard's Aviation in Sturgeon Bay WI.

Upon retirement, the couple traveled on their motorcycles for a few years before moving to Gulf Shores AL, Mesa and Chandler AZ and eventually back to Appleton WI and Green Bay WI. Bob worked as a security officer in all three states.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law Rev. Alvin and Enid Schabow; infant sister, Sylvia Gardner; and brother-in-law, Nathan Schabow.

In addition to his loving wife Karen, Bob is survived by his children, Lesha Lea Williams(Shanda), Appleton, Jason Robert Gardner (special friend Nikki Rentmeester), Green Bay, Chad Weston Gardner, Omro WI, and Rachelle Rae Manzo(Shon), Gilbert AZ; grandchildren, Kayla Ann Krahn, Bailey Robert Gardner, Garrett Alexander Gardner, Tyler Joseph Gardner, all of Green Bay, Jakob Robert Gardner, Lewiston MT, Carter James Van Hammond & Weston Levi Van Hammond, Gilbert AZ; brother-in law, Glen (Mary) Schabow, Appleton WI & sisters-in-law, Susan(Holub) Younk, Sussex WI and Carol (Roger) Post, Luxemburg; nephews, Ryan Schabow, Portland OR, Jeremy(Nancy) Schabow, Hartland WI, Kevin(Sarah) Schabow, Annapolis MD & Adam(Martha) Schabow, Milwaukee WI; nieces, Leah Younk, Julie Uslabar, Green Bay, Jean (Randy) Pieschek, Denmark and Jennifer Post, Stoughton.

"God be with you till we meet again"

Visitation will be held from 9:00am until 11:00am on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church, N5789 Highway 42, KEWAUNEE WI. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday at the church with Pastor Howard Batt officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.