Howard I. Gardner, 82, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, November 12, 2011, following a long illness. Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 17, 2011, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 4700 Johnson Avenue NW, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Craig Peters. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. Military Honors by: American Legion Post 727. Inurnment: Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his children, Linda Hinzman (Gary) and their children, Lisa Lafler, Paula Mitchell and Sarah Hinzman; Nancy Schade (Steve) and their children, Josh and Jenna; and Glenn Gardner (Kelly Murphy) and their children, Brianna Gardner and Alyssa Hamilton; three great-grandchildren, Dylan, Riley and Autumn; a beloved sister, Bonnie Wachowiak and her husband, Ted of Peru, Illinois; a sister-in-law and high school classmate, Nettamae Gardner of Killeen, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet; his parents; and two brothers, Harold (his twin) and William.

Howard Irvin Gardner was born October 17, 1929, in Sublette, Illinois, the beloved son of Howard and Evelyn (Morgan) Gardner. He grew up in Mendota, Illinois, and graduated from Mendota High School in 1947. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1947 to 1956. Howard was proud to have been a member of the Cedar Rapids Police Department, serving in many ranks until he retired in 1986, with the rank of Captain. For many years, he appeared weekly on the Dr. Max Show and at Children’s Theatre productions to deliver safety messages to children.

On June 27, 1953, Howard was united in marriage to Janet Louise Cheadle and they were married for 53 years until her passing in 2006. He was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, the American Legion and was a founding member of the Blue & White Pottery Club. Howard greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, antiques and playing cards.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle who will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in memory of Howard.