Loren Gardner

Loren Eugene Gardner of St. Paul, formerly of Minneapolis, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior at age 88 on January 20, 2025. Loren was born on May 9, 1936 to Leon and Elaine Gardner in Sioux City, Iowa. 

Loren attended Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis where he met Margaret Lisell. They were married in 1958 and had three children, Renee, Kenneth, and Kristen. Loren graduated from the University of Minnesota and enjoyed a long career as a remodeling contractor with an eye for design and color. In 2005, he married Annetta Anderson and readily embraced her family as his own. They were nearing their 20th anniversary upon his death. 

Faith in God, love for family and friends, generosity, creativity, and good humor marked Loren's life. In his youth he was a Boy Scout, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and sharing learned scouting skills well into his adulthood. He loved the outdoors and time spent at the family cabin. He readily helped others. He exuded warmth and friendliness with cheerful greetings, a warm smile, and an ever present twinkle in his eye.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew Westman, and by his loving wife of 44 years, Margaret Gardner. He is survived by wife, Annetta Gardner; children, Renee (Jeff) Westman, Kenneth (Diane) Gardner, Kristen (Scott) Thompson; sister, Janice (Peter) Strand; stepchildren, Cayte (Carter) Anderson Dedolph, Christina (Karyani) Karyani, Caroline (Ryan) Sullivan; 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren.

The family extends special thanks to the staff at Orchards of Minnetonka for their loving care. A memorial service will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 Snelling Ave S, St Paul, MN on March 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Luncheon following service. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church/Backpack Program, On Our Own and Associates, Inc., or donor's choice.