Melvin Earl Gardner

Mel was born on December 23, 1935 in Kankakee, IL, the 5th of 8 children of Cecilia Landry Gardner and Arlie Gardner. He grew up in Chicago Heights, IL, where he and his brothers built cars, watched the Cubs in a back booth of the corner bar, and worked as a golf caddy. He attended Bloom Township High School, where he played football, and during that time met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Bette) Graziani Gardner, while they both worked at the local grocery store. Before getting married, Mel served in the Army and was stationed in Germany where he was a mechanic. He remembered hearing Elvis for the first time over the mess hall radio.

In 1958, Mel married Bette in Steger, IL, and for the next 67 years they built a successful life filled with love, family, and friends. They had their first child Beth, and then their ambition took them to Michigan Tech where Mel earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in metallurgical engineering. During that time, daughters Joan and Lynn were born. The family moved briefly back to Illinois and had their fourth (and final) daughter Jill. Mel’s career took the family to Kentucky and then to Niwot, Colorado where they lived for 25 years. Here they raised their four daughters, saw each get married, earn college degrees and have children (and grandchildren) of their own.

Mel spent his career as a managing engineer at IBM, where his no-nonsense approach, work ethic, integrity, and dedication earned the respect of those who worked with him. He retired at 60 and as general contractor, built a new home in Loveland, CO, in 2000. He and Bette liked to travel to places like Italy, Ireland, and Laughlin, NV, take family lake trips to Arkansas, host the entire clan for holidays, and attend their grandkids sporting and school events. Mel loved golfing, fishing, boating, bowling, horseshoes, cards and parties. He and Bette created a family campground on a lake near Wellington, CO where he especially cherished time spent with his family.

Those who knew Mel will remember his hearty laugh when he was having a good time doing the things he loved—dancing with Bette (even at 88 at his granddaughter’s wedding) or spinning a good yarn. He was firm but fair, always steady and matter-of-fact, with a loving heart at his core. He didn’t need many words to make you feel special and seen, and he was always there for his family—supportive, reassuring, and constant. His love never sought attention, but it lasted.

Maybe Mel could show a bit of temper when he hit a rare errant golf shot, the car or boat wouldn’t start, or his daughters got into mischief—but even then, you always knew where his heart was. He cared deeply for his family and showed us, through his actions, what it truly means to put family first. He leaves behind countless memories that will be held dear by all who loved him.

Mel is survived by his spouse Bette, four children Beth (Darrell), Joan (Jack), Lynn (Mike), and Jill (Matt); eight grandchildren Zach (Caitlin), Sam (Jenny), Emily (Seth), Weston, Scott (Markie), Hannah (Garrett), Theo and Anthony; five great grandchildren (Maggie, Rocky, Sonny, Evelyn, and Rose); his siblings Jerry, Mike, and Sharon; and his many nieces and nephews.

The family will honor Mel’s life with a private gathering and internment at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins, CO. He will be remembered in the hearts of those who loved him and no public service is planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Mel’s memory.

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