Rod Gardner

Richard Rodney Gardner, 70, of Bucyrus, died Friday, January 14, 2022 at Galion Community Hospital following a heart attack.



He was born August 9, 1951 in Kenton, Ohio to the late Richard E. and Ina Belle (Rodgers) Gardner and was a 1969 graduate of Kenton Sr. High School. On June 5, 1971, he married Garnet Kay Kramer. Rod worked for a short time at Proctor and Gamble before spending 10 years at Marion Power Shovel. Upon their closing, he hired into General Electric in Bucyrus where he worked in maintenance and also as a machinist until retiring in 2010. He was grateful for the many friendships formed while at GE.



Rod was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of most. From earlier years, he learned painting and drywall while working with his father-in-law. He had an eye for inspecting homes, and there wasn’t a house project he couldn’t handle. Their family enjoyed 30 years spent living on Marion-Melmore Road where Rod’s machine shop was located. At one time, Gardner Machine was a business that did work for individuals and businesses, but over the years he rather enjoyed doing the work as a hobby to help friends and family.



Time with family and friends is what made him happiest. He and Garnet enjoyed trips to Lake Erie for a meal and good live entertainment and in more recent years enjoyed watching the birds in their backyard. He was always willing to offer advice to his children as to make their lives easier, and when it came to his grandchildren, nothing was spared to put a smile on their faces. They shared many driveway basketball games and fished at many area farm ponds. Rod and friends spent a lot of time fishing at Lake Erie, which led to many fish fries. He also spent many hours tinkering in his machine shop.



On Sunday mornings, he and Garnet were spiritually fed by listening to Dr. Ed Young, and for relaxation, Rod loved watching old westerns and Sci-Fi movies. He spent a lot of time researching things on the internet, such as herbal supplements and was quick to recommend one for any ailment. When it came to auctions, Rod could often be found searching for treasures. To keep his mind sharp, he worked a lot of crossword puzzles.



In addition to Garnet, his wife of 50 years, Rod is survived by three children, Terra (Mike) Hamm, Eric (Jennifer) Gardner, and Andrea Perry; his grandchildren, whom he spoiled in any possible way, Izzy and Ava Perry, Ethan, Sydney and Kade Gardner, and Kyle and Jake Hamm; three siblings, Greg (Cheryl) Gardner, Ronna Jay, and Jim Potter; as well as many nieces, nephews, and some really close friends. He was preceded in death by brothers Steve and Randy Gardner and a brother-in-law, Larry Jay.



His family will gather with friends from 1-2:55 pm Sunday, January 23 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio where friends are encouraged to offer comfort as well as share the good times and memories as they visit. At 3:00 pm that day, Pastor David Layton will officiate Rod’s memorial service and offer God’s word.



If desired, donations can be made payable to the American Heart Association or a charity of the donor’s choice. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and memories are encouraged to be shared on his Tribute Wall.