Dennis Gardner

Dennis Mark Gardner, 77, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 25, 1946, in Washington, Missouri, to Lester and Gurthlen Meyer Gardner.

Dennis graduated from Washington High School in 1964. He attended Southeast Missouri State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Bachelor of Science in Art and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

He spent two years in the Army National Guard. For seven years he worked as a freelance artist, working with metal sculpture and stained glass. He then pursued a degree in nursing and worked 30 years in various nursing capacities.

His favorite job, which he considered a privilege and a gift from God, was that of being a dad.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Karen Gardner; daughter, Jessica Gardner; brother, Lester (Barb) Gardner II; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, with Dr. Richard Martin speaking. Friends may gather one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at a later date at St. Peter's Cemetery in Washington.

Memorial donations may be given to Cedarville University, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, OH 45314.