Donald Albert Gardner

Donald Albert Gardner, age 91, of Rapid River, MI, passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2026, at his home.

Donald was born April 20, 1935, in Wells, MI and was the son of Alphonse and Marie (Thomas) Gardner. At age 17 he moved to Flint, MI where he was a working machine. His day job was with General Motors, and his second job was as a construction brick layer. As a mason he could lay over 600 block in one Day! He retired from G.M. in 1993 after 30 years. He was working all the time to provide for his family.

On November 17, 1955, he married the former Sandra Dye in Escanaba. Together they raised five children, Bill, Don, Richard, Randy and Pam in Clio, MI. After retirement in 1993 they moved back to Rapid

River to their dream home on the Whitefish River where Don would have coffee and watch the wildlife every day.

Don loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, but most of all he enjoyed helping others, especially snowplowing.

Don is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Pam Schafer of Rapid River, MI; 14 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister Mary McGillis of Munising, MI and Theresa Ackerly of Escanaba; his dog and best friend Cruise and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant son Tommy and sons Billy, Richard and Randy, and several brothers and sisters.

A celebration of life service will be held in honor of Donald this summer in Rapid River.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Albert Gardner, please visit our floral store.