Richard "Dick" Leroy Gardner

Richard “Dick” LeRoy Gardner, 82, of Ammon, Idaho passed away May 31, 2023 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Dick was born April 30, 1941 in Rexburg, Idaho, the son of Burton LeRoy Gardner and Rae McIntire Gardner. He grew up in Thorton, Idaho and attended schools there. He was raised working on the family farm.

He served in the Idaho National Guard as a member of the 116th Calvary Brigade.  He married Ruby Mae Palmer on April 29, 1960 in Egin Bench, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on April 29, 1967. Ruby preceded him in death on August 24, 2005. He was fortunate enough to later meet and marry the second love of his life, Dixie Shelley in Ammon, Idaho on June 18, 2010.

He was the owner and operator of Dick’s Mobile Catering. He served many weddings and functions throughout the valley. Prior to his catering business he worked at the U and I Sugar Factory until their closure.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. He loved serving in Scouting and was one of the first leaders of the Varsity Scout Program. He served with Brent Meng and together were lovingly known as Mutt and Jeff because of their stature. He was an avid fly fisherman, and enjoyed hunting, but fishing and fly tying was his passion. He never met a stranger. There wasn’t anyone who he wouldn’t become a friend with.

Dick is survived by his wife, Dixie of Ammon, Idaho. His children; Shanna (Roger) Henrie of Boise, ID, Kevin (Olga) Gardner of Temecula, CA, Alaina (Dale) Hustrulid, Ucon, ID and Jeff (Christy) Gardner of Blackfoot, ID. 15 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents. His first wife, Ruby Mae Gardner. Three sisters: Afton Parkinson, Bernice Walker, and Joyce Andrews and a brother, Kent Gardner.

A funeral service will be held in his honor on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Ammon LDS Stake Center (2055 South Ammon Road, Ammon, ID). The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM in the Ucon Ward Chapel (10854 North 41 East, Ucon, ID). They will meet again prior to services at the Ammon LDS Stake Center from 9:30 to 10:45 AM. Interment will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery. In leu of flowers please make donations to the Ririe Senior Citizen Center.