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In Loving Memory of Lester Gardner

Lester Dale Gardner, 73, was born in Bottineau, N.D., to Arthur G. Gardner and Leotta B. (Johnson, Gardner) Bippes on April 17, 1944. Following a yearlong battle with meso-thelioma, he finished his race, surrounded by the presence of God and the love of his family on March 6, 2018.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents, Clara and Victor Johnson and his brother, Robert (Lyle) Gardner. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; sons, Mike (Patty), Brad (Gretta) and Eric Gardner; grandchildren, Chase (Sehara), Colton, Madison, Brandon, Jared, Enoch, Charity and Lydia Gardner; great-grandchildren, Paiten, Waylon, and Easton Gardner; brothers, Kenny (Dorothy), Dennis (Carolanne) and Clayton (Carol); sisters, Laura (Jim) Blankenship and Betty (Rod) Borley; sister-in-law, Linda (Les) Olson; brother-in-law, Jack (Judy) Kid and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lester treasured his childhood memories of his life on a farm near Bottineau. In 1956 his family moved to Post Falls, Idaho. He graduated from Post Falls High School in 1962. Lester loved all sports, especially basketball, which he played at Post Falls High School and at North Idaho Junior College (1963-1965). He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Kidd, in 1965. Together they raised three boys, Mike, Brad and Eric.

He worked for 10 years at Bunker Hill where he began an electrical apprenticeship, and 40 years as an electrician at Kaiser Aluminum until he retired in 2016.

At age 30 he was saved when he heard about Jesus’ sacrificial death for him, repented of sin and trusted in Jesus’ death as payment for his sin. He was a faithful member of Post Falls Baptist Church where he served many years as treasurer, sang in the choir and served in the nursing home ministry, preaching at La Crosse and Ivy Court nursing homes until his health deteriorated.

Lester was well-loved by his family and friends and coworkers. He is remembered for his faithfulness, gentle spirit and selfless love and servant’s heart. He served his Lord faithfully and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother in Christ, and employee.

Lester, Dad, Grandpa, Brother Lester, Les — you fought a good fight! You ran a good race! You finished your course! We all thank you and are so proud of you.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday March 10, 2018, at English Funeral Chapel in Post Falls. A graveside service and reception will follow. Please visit Lester’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.