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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
James "Jim"
Gardner
April 4, 1937 – September 28, 2018
Obituary
The youngest of three sons, Jim was born to Guy and Katie (Stutzman) Gardner on a farm near Goehner on April 4, 1937. He attended Milford High School, where he enjoyed playing center on the eight-man football team. After graduation in 1955, he went to work on a ranch in Oregon and earned his private pilot's license.
On April 22, 1959, he married his high-school sweetheart, Jane Schirmer. Together they built a house in Seward where they raised three children and lived for more than 50 years.
Jim earned his living as a construction worker, but was truly an outdoorsman and farmer at heart. He liked to observe wildlife as well as to fish, hunt and trap. He raised animals ranging from mink and turkeys to goats and cows—and he always had a dog. Fascinated by honeybees, he also spent 44 years as a beekeeper.
First and foremost, however, Jim was a family man. His quick, wry sense of humor brought joy to family gatherings, and there was nothing he loved more than spending time with his grandchildren.
Never one to sit still for long, Jim lived the phrase, "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing well." Many of his family, friends and neighbors can tell stories of the things he made, fixed or did for them. Yet he avoided the spotlight and never stayed long enough for a "thank-you." Through his actions, he taught his children, grandchildren and all who knew him the value of helping others, doing what's right, and treating everybody with respect.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Terry J. Gardner.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Jane; daughter, Linda Dubs-Cerny and husband Dan Cerny of Schuyler, NE; son, Tim and wife Jill Gardner of Papillion, NE; daughter-in-law, Pam Gardner of Des Moines, IA; brother, Richard and wife Jean Gardner of Seward, NE; brother, Lonny Gardner of Aurora, CO; sister-in-law, Virginia Miller of Rising City, NE; grandchildren, Rachel Gardner, Jasmine Dubs, Matt Gardner, Miguel Dubs, Michael Gardner, Justin and Katherine Dubs, MaRanda and Joe Nickolite, Terrin Cerny and Lane Cerny; great-grandchildren, Addy and Jagger Nickolite; many nieces and nephews; and countless other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 2, 6:30-8:00 pm at Zabka Funeral Home in Seward. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 10:30 am, Seward United Methodist Church. Honorary pallbearers include Jack Daniel, Jim Komenda, Clark Krieser, Rich Wergin, Orville Pearson and Doug Colberg. Memorials can be made to the Heartfelt Children's Memorial in Seward or Seward Fire & Rescue.
Services
Family Receiving Friends
Zabka Funeral Home
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Celebration of Life
Seward United Methodist Church
Starts at 10:30 am
Private Family Inurnment and Graveside Service
Greenwood Cemetery
James "Jim" Gardner's Guestbook
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