Jake Gardner

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 18, 2016, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church.

Jacob Charles Gardner was born June 6, 2001, in Overland Park, Kansas to Phil and Judy (Janda) Gardner. He grew up in Olathe, Kansas and Ankeny where he was a freshman at Southview Middle School.

Jake was actively involved in baseball with Ankeny Little League, riding dirt bikes, golfing, and fishing with his family. He was a devoted fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and loved attending games at Memorial Stadium. Jake also enjoyed playing video games with friends, tinkering in the garage, and was frequently working on his 2002 Nissan Frontier truck. Most of all, Jake treasured spending time with his family on vacations, and time spent with his boxer dog, Tank and cat, Mario who will all miss him deeply.

Survivors include his parents, Phil and Judy Gardner; brothers, Brandon Gardner and Josh Gardner; paternal grandparents, Lou and Elaine Gardner; maternal grandparents, Marvin and Pat Janda; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and extended family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa Donor Network or Polk County Suicide Prevention Coalition.