Charles A. “Jake” Gardner, 76, Rochester, formerly of Plymouth passed away at 10:10 a.m. on
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 in the Life Care Center of Rochester where he resided since his illness in December 2010.

Charles was born on March 29, 1940 in Walkerton to Floyd and Mary (Buss) Gardner. Charles married the former Barbara M. White on June 12, 1959 in the Blissville Church in Plymouth. Charles enjoyed working puzzles, farming, coon hunting and fishing. He delivered tractors for Reese Equipment and also was custodian for the First Marshall County Bank known today as 1st Source Bank and the Plymouth High School. Charles was known for this kindness and that “Big smile” of his. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.

Charles is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara M. Gardner of Plymouth; daughter, Rosalie Ousnamer of Plymouth; two sons, Douglas and Becky Gardner of Walkerton, Steven Gardner of Tippecanoe; Charles was blessed with three grandchildren’; three sisters, Martha Sherell of Van Bleck, Texas, Winfred and John Smith of LaPaz, Dorothy Eads of Plymouth; three brothers, Kenneth Gardner of Plymouth, Howard “Mike” Gardner of Bremen, David and Emily Gardner of Plymouth; Charles is preceded in passing by his two sisters, Faye Damuth and Evelyn Summerlot; his two brothers, Keith Gardner and Harlan Gardner.

The Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Gardner family and wish to extend our deepest heartfelt condolences. According to Charles wishes a memorial service will be held at a later date.

The Gardner family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 East 91st Street #100 Indianapolis, Indiana 46240 or to the Marshall County Humane Society, P.O. Box 22 Plymouth, Indiana 46563