Avon Gardner

HEDRICK-Avon Gardner, 93 of Hedrick, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at Manor House Care Center in Sigourney. He was born February 17, 1932 in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of William and Erma (Hix) Gardner. Avon graduated from Ollie High School and proudly served in the United States Army in Europe as part of the occupation forces following WW2. On November 5, 1960, he was united in marriage to Darlene Lasley in Hedrick. Together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and farming.

Avon dedicated his life to farming the century farm near Ollie where he especially enjoyed raising Shorthorn cattle. He was a hardworking man whose devotion to his family, his farm, and his livestock was evident in all he did. Avon took pride helping his son and daughter prepare cattle for the county fair. He was a member of the Keokuk County Cattlemen's Association and Farm Bureau. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his commitment to agriculture, and the love he held for his family and community.

Survivors include his wife: Darlene of rural Hedrick; son: Douglas (Tammy) Gardner of Marion; daughter: Janine (Joe) Smith of Des Moines; four grandchildren: David (Sarah) Gardner, Gwen (Dylan) Harms, Adam Smith, and Reece (Mia, fiancée) Smith; three great grandchildren; Sonja and Otto Gardner and Miles Harms and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents; stillborn daughter: Angela Gardner and brother: Dale Gardner

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Prairie View Church in rural Ollie. Burial will be at Ollie Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Powell Funeral Home in Sigourney.

A memorial fund has been established for Prairie View Church or Essence of Life Hospice. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Avon and his family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.