Charles R. Gardner

Charles Russell Gardner 82 of Las Vegas, Nevada, formerly of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, departed this life on June 5th, 2012 at Willow Creek Assisted Living Home. Mr Gardner was born March 13, 1930, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a son of the late Alton and Aura Gardner. The Gardner's hardware and feed store was well known in the Sioux Falls community for many years. After graduating from High School he met his future wife, Carol Larson also of Sioux Falls. He proudly served his country as a Staff Sargent Clerk Typist in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He retired from the New York Life Insurance Agency after nearly 40 years that began in 1959. Chuck was a senior agent and a life member of the NYLIC Club as well as a member of the Top Club. American Red Cross awarded Mr. Gardner the heroism award for performing a possible life saving act. Mrs. Jack Wulff was on her way home when her car became stuck during in a blizzard. When she left her car to start across a field to reach her home. Mrs. Wulff fell, attempted to crawl, and then, after calling out several times for help, began to freeze to death. Chuck, whose car had also become snow-bound, heard Mrs. Wulff's cries for help. He found her through the blowing snow, dragged her to his car, and then went for help. He most likely saved Mrs. Wulff's life. He was just living up to his nature as a very kind hearted person. He later married Marylin Wilson in May of 2002 and they made their home in Las Vegas. Chuck and Marylin enjoyed traveling in their motor home to different parts of the United States. Chuck became ill and became a resident of the Willow Creek Assisted Living Home in 2010. Chuck is survived by his wife Marylin Gardner of Las Vegas, Nevada. Two children, Steven Gardner of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Carmen Calautti of Prundale, California. He is also survive by one grandson, Rick Calautti of Prundale, California, a sister Alice Thompson, also from California and a brother, Marshall Gardner of South Dakota. He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Alton and Aura Gardner, wife Carol (Larson) Gardner of 50 years and two brothers Paul and Keith Gardner. A memorial service will be held at Sun City Community Church, 8560 Del Webb Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89134. (702) 255-7729. Services are scheduled for June 19th at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Arrangements under the direction of Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.