Brian Gardiner

Brian E. Gardiner, “Gartz” age 57, surrounded by loved ones as he passed away on October 20, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer for the last year. Brian was born on March 11, 1967, in Menominee, Michigan to parents, Francis and Bernice (nee Smaglick) Gardiner.

Brian was the youngest of five children. He went to school all 12 years in the Menominee School system and graduated in 1985. Directly after graduating he proudly joined the U.S. Army, he continued to serve after in the National Guard for a total of 10 years of service. Brian attended UW Marinette and obtained an Associate’s Arts and Science degree in Anthropology in 1995. He moved to Oshkosh to continue his education at UW Oshkosh, where he graduated in 2007 with a Letters and Science Bachelor Dual Degree in Journalism and Anthropology.

Brian worked with companies that subcontracted with Oshkosh Defense for 3 years. Then the opportunity presented for a position at Oshkosh Defense in the area of his expertise, he got 7 years in his dream career. Brian was very proud and loved the work he did with the company and people.

Brian never expected to stay in Oshkosh after he graduated; he met and married a townie who was the love of his life, Elizabeth Lett (Beth) on June 26, 2004, in Oshkosh, WI. They had 20 years of love, friendship, and togetherness. Brian was very blessed with two beautiful daughters, Danielle and Alexandria whom learned the passion of travel, the game of hockey, and love of the outdoors. The knowledge/opinion of their Dads view about not wearing flip flops when going in the woods, climbing on rocks or hiking.

To know Brian was to love him, The COLLECTOR whom loved to tell stories whether it was something he listened to on NPR or seen on Wisconsin Public Television. The details of many adventures he had growing up, when he was in the service and going to camp. His love of rocks whether rockhounding, collecting, or obsessing to have Mt. Everest knowledge, was a passion. He was always ready with his BOB, (his Bug Out Bag) and his survival gear. He enjoyed watching the Red Wings, gardening, and cooking. Cooking was Brian’s love language when it came to his family, the meals may have taken him longer to finish than others but they were from the heart. Brian didn’t only love cooking and rocks, but he loved Rock N’ Roll especially with his friends, at Rock Festivals, concerts, and listening to Heavy Metal bands where ever it may be, he was the host with the most.

Brian is survived by his wife, Beth Gardiner; children, Danielle (Chris) Suchezky and Alexandria Gardiner; grandchildren, Madison and Micah; sisters, Cindy (Mike) Milburn and Sandi (Scott) Carlson; brother, Fran Gardiner Jr.; sister-in-law, Ramona Gardiner; mother-in-law, Barbara Lett; brother-in-law, Jay (Shannon) Lett; as well as many favorite nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his best friend, Michael Fernstrum and many other friends and co-workers, who will miss him tremendously.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Francis and Bernice (Smaglick) Gardiner; brother, David Gardiner; father-in-law, H.J. Lett; and other loved family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 400 N. Sawyer St., Oshkosh, WI on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 9:00am to 12:30pm, with service to follow at 12:30pm. Military honors will commence at 1:15pm with full flag presentation and gun salute. An additional Celebration of Life will be the weekend of Aug. 1- 3, 2025 in the UP, more details
closer to the date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in his honor. The family would like to thank everyone who has helped during Brian’s journey this last year, especially his best friend, Mike, for taking him on his last road trip.