May 27, 2022 – West Bend, WI – James “Jim” C. Gardner, 88, of West Bend, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 23, 2022.
James was born on December 23, 1933, to the late Clifford and Nina (nee Covey) Gardner, growing up on a farm in Central WI near Pittsville.
Jim graduated high school in 1951 and two years later volunteered for the United States Army and was stationed in Korea & Hawaii. He earned degrees in psychology & social work from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls in 1959 and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 1962. Jim was a school psychologist in the Mequon-Thiensville schools for 25 years.
On June 20, 1959, he was united in marriage to Carol Ann Hirsch at Pittsville Congregational Church. He was a member of Peace UCC in Kewaskum. Jim’s interests were family, reading, nature, and gardening. He enjoyed hiking trails & byways with his beloved Carol in the forest preserve surrounding their Cedar Community home. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Those Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 62 years, Carol Gardner; two children, Brian (Susan) Gardner and Sandra Malotky; four grandchildren, Alex (Passion) Malitky, Laura Malotky, Alyssa Gardner, and Grant Gardner; eight sisters-in-law, Mary Gardner, Susan (Phillip) Beavers, Mary Hirsch-Gardner, Gale (James) Olds, Patty (Tom) Hale, Kristal (Richard) Jacobson, Theresa (Robert) Glaza, and Rochelle (Steve) Todd; two brothers-in-law, Dennis (Geri) Hirsch and John Hirsch; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert Gardner and Chester Gardner; two sisters, Marge (Albert) Lippert and Jean (Rupert) Schiller; brother-in-law, Patrick Johnson; and a sister-in-law, Linda Frost.
A memorial service in remembrance of Jim will be held soon at a later date this summer. Please follow up on dates and times.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cedar Community or Peace UCC in Jim’s name are appreciated by the family.
