Melvin Gardner

Melvin Gardner, 89 of Sterling, CO, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025. Visitation will be from 3 pm to 6 pm Friday, June 27, 2025, at Tennant Funeral Home with Vigil and Rosary services following at 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Father Michael Bodzioch celebrating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Mass will be live streamed at St. Anthony’s youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@st.anthonysterlingco1104/streams

Melvin was born on September 18, 1935, in Colville, Arkansas, to Harold and Clara (Aagesen) Gardner. He married Theresa Gertner on April 8, 1961, and was married to Theresa for 59 years before her death in 2020. Melvin worked for Trinidad Bean Elevator prior to becoming a custodian with Sterling High School. He later was employed as a custodian with Sixth Street Food Markets until becoming a custodian at Northeastern Junior College for 18 years before his retirement in 2005.

He was a very dedicated employee, always showing up for work, and worked hard during his life. Melvin enjoyed his family and going to many extended family events such as weddings and reunions. Melvin did have an ornery streak in him and loved to dish it out.

Melvin is preceded in death by his wife Theresa, parents Elmer and Clara, sisters Alene Dowdy, Lorene Simmering, and Carrie Hirschfeld; brothers Ralph Gardner, Robert Gardner, Gerald Gardner and Ivan Gardner.

He is survived by sons Jim (Amy) Gardner of Chadron, NE, Joe (Carolin) Gardner of Brighton, CO; daughter Cindy (Bob) Dean of Sterling, CO; 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials may be made in Melvin’s name to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.