Ishpeming - Gardner Wallberg, 80, of Ishpeming passed away peacefully at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility on Saturday, May 23. He was born in North Lake on April 9, 1929, to the late John and Jean Wallberg. On September 6, 1956, he married the former Helen Rovedo who preceded him in death on August 17, 1996. He married Carol Pantti on August 20, 1997 and she also preceded him in death on April 20, 2005.

Gardner served in the Air Force for 4 years and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant in the air police. He worked at the Robbin's Flooring Mill and for J&L Steel at the Tracy Mine before he was hired by the Ishpeming Township Schools. He was a "jack of all trades" and did everything from driving bus to repairing electrical and plumbing. He was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor at Westwood High School where he worked until his retirement. For 29 years he worked for the schools and was very instrumental in the formation of the NICE Community School District. His was very proud of the new high school and all that it had to offer for the community.

Gardner served as Fire Chief for 8 years on the Ishpeming Township Fire Department and was instrumental in making the Department a great success. He also was appointed and worked as Deputy Supervisor for Ishpeming Township for several years after his retirement from the schools, along with being custodian at the St. Pius X Catholic Church and Rectory. Gardner was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church and the Ishpeming VFW.

One beautiful testament to Gardner's life is that he never started a project he did not see to the finish. Whenever he was asked to do a task, he went above and beyond to make sure it was done to perfection.

Gardner was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He was also an accomplished woodworker. Many of the items he created are a tribute to his talent. He also enjoyed the out-of-doors and in his younger days, enjoyed both hunting and fishing.

Gardner is survived by three children Nancy (Rusty) Bluse of Escanaba, Dan (Diane) Wallberg of Ishpeming, and Ron (Jenny) Wallberg of Green Bay, WI. He also has three grandchildren Bonnie (Ricky) Gonzales, Christopher and James Wallberg, and one great-grandchild Bryan Wallberg all of Green Bay, WI. He is also survived by a sister Betty Lynn of Ishpeming and multiple nieces and nephews.

Gardner was preceded in death by his parents, both his wives Helen and Carol, a sister Thelma and a brother Alton, and a brother in his early childhood Woodrow.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Bethel Lutheran Church from 10:00am until 11:00am on Tuesday May 26, 2009 where a memorial service will be held at 11:00am with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #380 will hold military honors at the conclusion of the services. Inurnment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.