2/19/2020 2:48:00 PM Doris Gardner, 99, dies of natural causes
Doris I. Gardner, 99, of Stewartville, formerly of Chatfield, died on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020 of natural causes at the Stewartville Care Center where she had been a resident since 2015. Doris Irene Herrick was born on Aug. 19, 1920 in Chatfield to Wilfred and Anna (Schultz) Herrick. She grew up in Chatfield and attended school there, graduating from Chatfield High School. Doris was married in 1942 in Chatfield to Russell Gardner. Following their marriage, the couple lived in rural Chatfield where they farmed and they were also employed at the State Hospital in Rochester. In 1963 they moved to Cape Coral, Florida, where they made their home for over 40 years. Doris continued her education receiving her LPN degree and was employed at Ft. Myers Hospital for a number of years until her retirement. Russell was employed as a fireman with the City of Cape Coral and was also a cabinetmaker and landscaper. Mr. Gardner died on May 23, 2009. That same year, Doris moved back to Minnesota to be near family. Doris and Russell enjoyed traveling by tour bus and had visited every U.S. State except Alaska. They were avid league bowlers and loved to square dance and belonged to a 100-mile square dance club in Florida. Doris also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, puzzles, and with Russell, always enjoyed entertaining family and visitors in sunny Florida. Doris is survived by her brother-in-law, Joe (Sharon) Gardner of Dexter, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell, her parents, one sister, Hazel Michaelson, and one brother, Kenneth Herrick. In keeping with Doris's wishes, no service or visitation is planned at this time. Burial and a committal service will be held at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens in Ft. Myers, Florida, where Doris will be laid to rest with her husband Russell. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Doris are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com
