Jenna, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Gina

Gina Kaufman
June 19, 2025

I'm so terribly sorry Jenna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

Jessi Hamilton
June 21, 2025

Jenna, Anna and Kara, My heart aches for all of you during this difficult time. Please know you’re surrounded by love. Hoping you find strength in the happy memories you hold dear and in the love of those around you. You’re in my thoughts, today and always. Love Denise

Denise Kelley Edwards
June 21, 2025

I went all through Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Thomas Jefferson with Don before he moved to Colorado. At Grover Cleveland, with the height of we baby boomers, there were approximately 100 in each class divided into four different classrooms throughout the primary and elementary years I vividly recall Don in my lower primary grades classes, and we pretty much advanced to the next grade with the same squad of we rascal cherubs with a handful of exceptions still going strong as a gang unit - marching on. Don kept things jumping that’s for sure. His quick wit, athleticism and sense of humor were memorable to us all. I believe it was in Mrs. Howese’s third grade class room, but we would have to get up in front of class and make our presentations. I recall these as if they were yesterday, but through the years we could bring a toy that we got after Christmas and show to class. Don Gardner brought his ‘Mr. Machine’, that I thought was the coolest thing - you could see all of it’s innards working by cranking the key. I wanted one the worst way. I had related these to another classmate at Theodore Roosevelt, but another was when we had to stand up and show the art work picture that we made to the class ~ Don did not want to do this as he was dissatisfied with his ~ so he turned his back to us all & faced the chalk board & then held up his construction paper art work masterpiece behind his back to us. One time we were all assigned to do a report on a specific United State’s state. My state was Oklahoma. Don’s was Arizona. Don gave us all a spelling bee and asked us to spell Phoenix…… ~ we ALL flunked. That I am pretty sure was the last that I had the privilege to be in the classroom with Don Gardner. Through the years, I went out for sports at Theodore Roosevelt as did Don, but I was never very good. As our junior high’s and high school grades kept increasing in cherubs, one kind of loses touch with early Groveland Clevelanders in the mix. I knew Don had lived up the street on first Avenue past my beloved John’s terrific friend, Keith Rinderknecht and his adorable little sister in Don’s & my grade - Connie’s house, but I wasn’t sure which house. When I drive past that way from La Salle, I have wonderd which house was the Gardner’s as I had just done last week. Don was always a formidable foe on the grounds of Grover Cleveland playground. At recess, one day, his dog wandered over and was greeting us all as we so innocently romped and played with all of us not having a care in the world but our childhood bliss. I can still see Don leading his dog back home Fly high, FLY ON Don !

Timothy Wayne van Deest
June 23, 2025

Anna, thinking of you and your entire family. Prayers to all of you.

JOLENE KORANDA
June 23, 2025

Sending you strength today and peace in all the days ahead. Our deepest sympathies go out to Kara, Jenna, Anna, and their families at this sad time. Love Kevin and Connie Dolan

Kevin and Connie Dolan
June 28, 2025

I am so sorry . I like to think Donny and I where always on the same page. He welcomed me into your family whole heartedly .of course I may be wrong , I was doing his sister . Luv you Donny !

Randy edwards
June 29, 2025

Jenna, Anna and Kara, sending you all lots of love. I’m far away but thinking of u all and all that you must be holding in your hearts.

Abigail Omlor
July 1, 2025

Jenna, Anna and Kara, sending you all lots of love. I’m far away but thinking of u all and all that you must be holding in your hearts.

Abigail Omlor
July 1, 2025