Memorial
Niles C. Gardemann, 84, of Cedar Rapids passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, following a brave battle with cancer. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at First Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at St. Stephen's Lutheran Cemetery in Atkins, Iowa. Family will greet friends during a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Niles was born on January 20, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Donald and Kathryn Gardemann. He graduated from Shellsburg High School in 1959. Niles was united in marriage to Dianne Anderson from 1961-1999 and together they raised 2 children. Following Dianne’s death, he married Linda Hale in 2002, and they have enjoyed 24 years of marriage together. He dedicated 42 years of service to Anderson Crane before his retirement. Never one to stay idle, he later worked for Truck Country. In his free time, Niles enjoyed hosting friends, playing cards, and creating lasting memories with those he loved. He and Linda cherished spending their winters in Florida and Arizona, where they formed many treasured friendships over the years.
Niles is survived by his loving wife, Linda Gardemann; his children, Jeffrey (Shannon) Gardemann of Shellsburg and Sherry Clyce of San Diego, California; and his stepchildren, Danielle (John) Goselin of Atlanta, Georgia, and Eric (Regena) Hale of Shellsburg. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Blake Clyce of Houston, Texas; Nicki Clyce of Los Angeles, California; Carrie Fritz of Cedar Rapids; Sasha (Matt) Raes of Marion; Ryker, Meeka, and Makaya Gardemann, all of Shellsburg; Colton (Dallas) Hale of Vinton; Corissa Hale of Central City; and Gabby Goselin and Jake Goselin, both of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Niles Charles Clyce, Isabella and Gracie Raes, Korah Fritz, and Oaklee Burgin and River Hale.
Also left to cherish his memory are three brothers, Craig (Pat) Gardemann, Garth (Vicky) Gardemann, and Danny (Jackie) Gardemann; one sister, Beth (Steve) Rathje; along with numerous loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Niles was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Kathryn; and his first wife, Dianne Gardemann.
Niles was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy was his family. He will be remembered for the love and kindness he shared with family and friends, his warm smile, and his generous spirit. Niles touched the lives of many and leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Niles’ honor to the First Lutheran Children’s Sunday School.