Lisa Ohlman Gardner

Born on December 25, 1963, Lisa brought joy into the world from her very first day. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Allied Legal Services. In 1985, Lisa was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, becoming one of the first women to earn her Airborne Wings. She served in Germany as a logistics officer, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant before her honorable discharge in 1989. She continued her service in the Army Reserves for two more years.

Lisa's professional journey was as dynamic and driven as she was. From 1989 to 1997, she worked as a supervisor at Rockwell Collins in Melbourne, Florida. After moving to Minneapolis, she joined Pillsbury as a customer service representative. Upon returning to Florida, Lisa helped found Satcom Direct and served as Vice President and Office Manager for three years.

In 2004, Lisa pursued her calling in healthcare, working as a CNA while putting herself through nursing school. She became a registered nurse and spent many years compassionately caring for ICU patients. Her fierce dedication, strength, and warmth touched the lives of many.

Lisa met the love of her life, David Gardner, in 2002. They married on June 11, 2004, in a beautiful ceremony in Honolulu, Hawaii. Together, Lisa and Dave built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.

An avid world traveler, and lover of the outdoors, Lisa and Dave explored five continents together—by land in their RV, by air (thanks to Delta), and by sea (with over 30 cruises on Norwegian). Though they ventured far and wide, her favorite destination remained close to home: Key West.

Lisa’s love extended deeply to her family. She shared many unforgettable vacations with Dave’s children—Brian, Kevin, and Christie—and her niece Desiree. She also cherished her two Shelties, Casey and Cooper, treating them like her own children—preparing them homemade meals and showering them with love.

Lisa is preceded in death by her mother Zola Ohlman, father Milton Ohlman, and niece Jeannie Ohlman. She is survived by her loving husband, David Gardner, and their two dogs, Casey and Cooper. She is also survived by David’s children, Brian Gardner, Kevin Gardner, and Christie Donahue; her siblings Connie Bradish, Roberta Brookins, Milton Ohlman, and Elizabeth Ohlman; and her nieces and nephew Desiree Ohlman and her son Titus, Jennifer Ohlman, Lindsay Lammers, and Erin Wilcox.

A celebration of Lisa’s life will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial Gardens, located at 5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955.

In honor of Lisa’s deep love for animals, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Pet Posse, supporting homeless animals in the community she loved so dearly.