Sept. 13, 1928 — March 16, 2017
Curtis Gardner, 88, of Algona, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2017, at Hawkeye Care Center in Spirit Lake.
Curtis Moore Gardner was born to Delos Gardner and Marguerite (Moore) Gardner on Sept. 13, 1928, in Algona. On Aug. 9, 1974, Curtis married Shirley (Bagge) Ricklefs at the Good Hope Church in Lone Rock.
Curt’s love was farming and he was proud to farm the family’s centennial farm until his retirement. He was an active member at the Good Hope Church and enjoyed woodworking, golfing, and playing cards with friends and neighbors. Curt served in the Korean War and was honored with three Bronze Stars.
Curtis is survived by his stepchildren, Vicki (Tom) Matuska of Spirit Lake, Randy (Deceased) Julie Ricklefs of Spirit Lake, Tom (Cheryl) Ricklefs of Spirit Lake and Rod (Moira) Ricklefs of Baltimore; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Curt will be missed by his family and Lark Ricklefs and Steve Riskedahl, close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, stepson Randy Ricklefs, granddaughter Jenny Ricklefs; and siblings Trella Blackman, Lois Camp, Leon Gardner, Mervin Gardner and John Gardner. No service will be held. There will be a future interment for the family only.