Submitted by: Dan Rich

Jon Gilbert Gardner

May 24, 1954 - Feb. 3, 2002

South Bend Tribune 2/5/2002

Jon Gilbert Gardner, 47, of Mokena, Ill., formerly of South Bend and Mishawaka, Ind., died on Sunday, Feb. 3, in South Bend. He was born in South Bend on May 24, 1954, and lived here for most of his life. Jon graduated from the former Jackson High School in June 1973. He attended the University of Notre Dame where he was a member of the Air Force R.O.T.C. His ambition was to become an Air Force pilot, but he was diagnosed with diabetes and was unable to pursue that dream. He then attended Indiana University South Bend, majoring in business, and later worked as a salesman for Encyclopedia Britannica and the Culligan Soft Water Company. He was a most persuasive salesman and very successful in that endeavor.

Jon is survived by his parents, Eugene E. and Edith M. (LaCosse) Gardner; and by his two brothers, Chris and Lewis, all of South Bend. He is also survived by his three sons, Daniel Tollens of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., and Ian and Jason of Valparaiso, Ind. He was well-loved by his family and will be deeply mourned.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

If you wish to remember Jon, please make a contribution to the American Diabetes Association or to Madison Center of South Bend. The Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, handled arrangements.