John F. Gardiner

John Francis "Jeff" Gardiner, Jr., of Macomb Township, age 87, passed away under hospice care at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital on Friday, July 15, 2016. Son of the late John Francis Gardiner and Mildred Willard Gardiner, Jeff was born February 19, 1929, in Philadelphia, PA. He graduated from The Episcopal Academy in 1946 and Princeton University, graduating in the class of 1949. Jeff came to Michigan in 1967, being transferred here with Seaboard Surety Company. He continued his career as a surety bond agent with various agencies in the metro Detroit area. Jeff loved skiing and golf and continued to enjoy them well into his 80s. He loved jazz music, big band music, and dancing. Jeff married the love of his life and lifelong dance and ski partner Joan Madeline Gentry Rodgers Gardiner on February 8, 1969. Jeff made her and all of us laugh every day, although because he couldn't hear very well, we were sometimes laughing at different things. Jeff raised 7 kids with unconditional love and guidance without judgement. He remained active in all our lives. Visiting his family brought him the greatest joy in his retirement. The children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren allowed Jeff the opportunity to stay in his second childhood to the end. Jeff was preceded in death by his brother, D. Daniel Willard "Dan" Gardiner, and his grandson Kevin Gardiner. He is survived by Dan's widow Joyce Gardiner, 5 nieces and nephews, and 9 great nieces and nephews. He is survived by his children: William W. "Bill" Gardiner (Amparo); John F. "Rick" Gardiner; Robert R. "Bob" Fittrer (Jermel); Judie Merrill (Ed Wiles); Peggy Gardiner Moore (Bob); James A. "Jim" Rodgers (Bridget); Julie A. Baker (Greg). He is survived by his grandchildren: Brian Gardiner (Stephanie); Lisa Coule (Louis); Stephanie Lee (Nathaniel); Perry Fittrer (Ana); Michael Merrill (Nikki); Jessica Ham (Jim); Andrea Merrill; Rionne Hahn; Amanda Willwerth; Kate Rodgers; Jim F. Rodgers; Connor Baker; Maximilian "Max" Baker; and Devon Baker. He is survived by his great-grandchildren: Jackson Gardiner; Hayden Gardiner; Holden Gardiner; Emerson Fittrer; Harley Merrill; McKayla Merrill; Ava Merrill; Izzy Ham; Roisin Griffith; John Davenport III; Brandon Willwerth; and Kenni Willwerthl. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 6th at 2:30 pm at St Peter Lutheran Church, 24 Mile Rd and Romeo Plank. Jeff's family will receive guests at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations will support the UMCCC Colon Cancer Program. Checks may be made to "University of Michigan" and sent to Medical Development, 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. You may also call 734-998-6893 or visit the website http://victors.us/john-f-jeff-gardiner by clicking here to make your gift.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236