Dear Carole, 
I am so sorry.  I just now found out about this and I want to express my sincere and deepest condolences.  Sheldon was a lovely man.  I keep his Put a Mensch on the Bench button in my top drawer to this day. Sad to read this. 
Judy Sherwin

Dear Carole, Janet, Michael, Miriam and Families:

We were so shocked and saddened last week to hear about Sheldon from one of his former court clerks.  If we had known, we would have been there to offer our support to you all.  

We have so many fond memories of Sheldon, his humor, his wit, his pleasantries, his way of seeing the best in everyone.  Many attorneys commented that they always looked forward to appearing in his courtroom, because of his manner.  

Our girls remember him from their childhood, his affable personality and how closely he worked with their father.   They considered him a relative.  

He left a fine legacy in his family and he will be missed by a countless number of people.  

You have our deepest sympathy.

Love,

Harriet & George Pontikes.

We were privileged to have Judge Gardner marry us in April 2000.  He was a kind and wise man.  He noted that my like my husband Sholom/Sheldon was marrying a Carol, so he, too Sheldon was married to Carole.  It was a special bond for us.  My own "Sheldon" passed away a few weeks before Judge Gardner.  As they both loved Cook County and all of its stories, I hope they are sharing them together in shamayim.  My heart goes out to Judge Gardner's family.

Our deepest condolences to Carole and family.  May his memory be a blessing and inspiration for all who knew and loved him. 

From old friends,
Rochelle & Herbert Levin

My heartfelt condolences to the Gardner Family.   Judge Sheldon was the kindest, gentlest, sincerest and most selfless person I have ever known.   He tempered his wisdom with empathy for the problems of others and whomever appeared before him left feeling that Justice was addressed and DONE.
Ralla Klepak, Chicago

Our deep condolence go to Carole and Michael Gardner and the rest of the family which became part of out own when Michael married our daughter, Eve.
Sheldon Gardner applied his great intellect to serve justice in the court system. He was our gracious host in our frequent visits to Chicago. We were enriched by his sparkling observations about people and the way we live.
May you be comforted from on high among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Our deep condolence goes to Carole and Michael Gardner and to the rest of the family which became part of our own when Michael married our daughter, Eve.
Sheldon Gardner who used his his great intellect to serve justice in the Chicago courts was our gracious host in our frequent visits to his city. Those who had the privilege of knowing him were rewarded by his brilliant observations of people and politics.

From on high, may you be comforted among the mourners  of Zion and Jerusalem.

Jetta and Myron Gordon

Dear Carole....I am nothing less than heartbroken to read about Shelly.   Have been asking about you for years since I moved to Canada....our friends in common could not tell me how to contact you....and now this news.   My thoughts and love to you and the family......both you and Shelly found the best partners in life...no doubt about it.

I was a court clerk for Judge Gardner and am so sorry to hear this sad news - May God bring his family comfort and peace - I enjoyed working with him and respected and admired him - He spoke lovingly of his family and always treated his staff with respect and kindness - He gave us many laughs and his courtroom was always a pleasant place to be - I still quote many of his sayings and he will always hold a special place in my heart.

Shelley was a great friend and co-worker and adviser as we worked together in building Merrionette and Jeffrey Manor Community Organizations.  I will remember him always and pray for him.

My sincerest sympathy to Sheldon's family.  I was a secretary in the State's Attorney's Office and Sheldon was such a wonderful man to work for.  My prayers are with you all.

Carole and family, Condolences. Though we did not see much of each other of late, I will have him in mind. The world always feels a sense of loss when a great sense of humor passes. I am happy we had our lunch 3 years ago, even if it was not at one of the Chinese restaurants in Chicago. Paul Wisner

My sincere condolences to the Gardner family.  I am sad to hear of Sheldon's passing and already miss his wit and wisdom.  May Sheldon rest in peace.

For many years Shelly was my mentor in IVI, the States Attorneys Office and when we shared a campaign office when he was running for judge and I was running for reelection.

Ellis B. Levin

My condolences to the Gardner family.  As a customer of Pinzur Pharmacy on Chicago's Southside and friend of my parents, Idele and Harry Pinzur, Sheldon let me tag along with him one day when I was in high school.  He took me to breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as introduced me to many of his friends who were well known attorneys and Judges.  I thought lawyers just ate and talked all day, so I became a lawyer.  As a young lawyer, I often called him for advice and counsel.  He was always generous with his time and was a great mentor.  From the days he served as President of IVI (Independent Voters of Illinois) thorugh his years in private practice and as a Judge, he was a superb example of the best of "The Greatest Generation".  I was honored to have him as a mentor when I was a young attorney and privileged to appear before him as a Judge.  The world became a little less compassionate when we lost this very specail person.  Yet, his legacy will live with all those he touched as he tried to make a better and fairer world for us all.

My deepest sympathy.  Sheldon was one special guy.  I'll remember him well.

My condolences are with the Gardner family.  At such a sad occasion may happy memories fill your hearts.  May it be comforting to remember that we can call on Almighty God and he will give us the needed strength to cope with any distresses.(Psalms 55:16)

OBITUARY

Sheldon Gardner

May 27, 1928 – June 1, 2013

Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home

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