Obituaries : Martin K. Gardner

Martin K. Gardner, 69, passed away peacefully at home with his family on March 17, 2016 in Brighton Colorado. He was born March 10, 1947 in Vinton, Iowa to Donald Gardner and Helen Sparks. He attended and graduated from Washington High School in 1966 and continued his education receiving training in many different areas of business management.

Martin had a successful and fulfilling career as CEO for East Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative for over 35 years. He was very dedicated and worked hard for the community and the members of the cooperative over those years to make it the best they could be. After retirement Martin then moved to Brighton Colorado to be closer to family and enjoy the grandkids.

In his spare time Martin loved camping and the outdoors, working on classic muscle cars and enjoyed working with his hands making furniture for friends and family. In his later years he became skilled at using a Plasma Cutter to design and create metal art work. Martin was always dedicated to the task at hand and always tried to help those around him accomplish their goals. Martin was a family man who enjoyed being a “Dad” and always tried to see the best in everyone around him and bring those qualities out.

Martin is survived by his wife, Linda Gardner of Brighton, CO; son, Eric (Tiffiany) Gardner of Brighton, CO; brother, Gary (Nancy) Gardner of Dysart, IA; sister, Cindy (John) Newton of San Luis Obispo, CA and four grandchildren, Niki, Lauren, Tori and Kayla.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be left on the Tabor-Rice Funeral Home at www.taborfuneralhome.com.

Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling the arrangement