Surnames: GARDNER WOLF RUETH PRUST

----Source: Tribune-Record-Gleaner (Clark County, Wis.) 12/01/1982

Gardner, Merlin L. (1937 - 1982)

Funeral services for Merlin L. Gardner, 45, Route 2, Spencer, were conducted at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Loyal, at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Mr. Gardner died on Saturday, Nov. 27, 1982, in an airplane accident.

Officiating at the service was Rev. James Logan. Burial was in the parish cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Joe Wolf, Mark Schmitz, James Castner, Kevin Kautzer, Larry Prust and Shane Rasmussen. Rinka Funeral Home, Loyal, was in charge of arrangements.

Merlin Gardner was born on Sept. 19, 1937, in Clark County to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gardner. He received his education at Romadka School and graduated in 1957 from Loyal High School.

He was married to Irene Wolf on April 19, 1958, at St. Anthony's Church, Loyal. He worked for the Allis Chalmers Co., West Allis, and then returned to the Town of Sherman, where he farmed for 13 years. During the past year he sold his farm and had been employed in the silo business.

He was a former firefighter for the Milwaukee and Spencer Fire Departments. He was also a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife his mother, Mrs. Marie Gardner of Marshfield eight daughters, Mrs. Paul (Darla) Rueth of Loyal, Carrie Gardner of Neillsville, Kelley, Robin, Nikki, Jodie and Tanya and Marni, all at home six sons, Jay of Spokeville Lon of Homosessa Springs, Fla., Tad of Loyal and Wes, Kip and Tye, all at home one brother, Jon of Milwaukee one sister, Mrs. Val (Virginia) Prust of Marshfield and four grandchildren.

Preceding him in death was his father one brother, James and one sister, Estella.