Donald J. Gardner, 86, of rural Watson, passed away Friday morning, February 3, 2017 at H.S.H.S. St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. With military graveside rights. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with a 7:00 p.m. rosary. Memorial donations may be made to the donor's choice.

Donald was born June 6, 1930 in Buffalo, New York, the son of Randle and Bernadette (Scherer) Gardner. He married Gertrude J. Thiessen on October 27, 1956 and she survives. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Donald is retired from H.S.H.S St. Anthony Memorial Hospital as Personnel Director and also as a truck weight inspector for the State of Illinois.

Donald is survived by his wife, Gertrude; four daughters, Mary (Christopher) Dust of Watson, Rachel (Kevin) Schoenberger of Fenton, MO, Angela Gardner of Williamsburg ,VA and Loretta Gardner of Newport News, VA; six sons, Donald (Cathy) of Teutopolis, John (Shelly) of Effingham, Thomas (Anna) of Beecher City, Paul (Allisa) of Shumway, Matthew of Fenton, MO and Andrew (Christine) of Atlanta, GA; 25 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; one sister Marilyn Friel on Chicago.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Randle and sister, Patricia.