Duane D. "Hot Dog" Gardner

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at Atonement Lutheran Church in St. Cloud for Duane D. “Hot Dog” Gardner, age 89, of Waite Park, who passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Reverend Donald Reisig will officiate. Burial will take place in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls with full military honors.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church in St. Cloud. The Waite Park American Legion Silver Star Post #428 will have their ritual at 6:00 p.m. immediately followed by the St. Cloud V.F.W. Post #428 on Tuesday at the funeral home in St. Cloud.

Duane was born on November 3, 1923 in Pine River, Minnesota to George and Effie (Feakes) Gardner. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. Duane married Elaine Phillips and they were later divorced. Duane was an owner and operator of Gardner’s Sales and Service a John Deer Dealership the majority of his life. He later worked as a salesman for St. Cloud Auto Supply until he retired. Duane was a Past Commander of Waite Park American Legion Silver Star Post #428 as well as being a Commander of the Sixth District, Vice Commander and Membership Director of the State for the Legion. He was also a Member of the St. Cloud V.F.W. Post #428, the Eagles Aerie #622, the Masonic Lodge No. 23, the Shriners and the Purple Martins Conservation Association.

Duane enjoyed time at the lake, raising Purple Martins, bowling, antique cars and was a member of the Pantowners Car Club. He especially treasured all the time spent with his family and friends.

He is survived by his significant other, Imogene Roering; sons, Phil (Lori) of Sauk Rapids, Robert of Waite Park, Kevin of St. Cloud, Craig of Forest Lake; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Winter of St. Cloud; and many nieces and nephews.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents; brother and sisters, Dale, Maxine, and Lydia.

A Special Thank You to the Staff at the St. Cloud V.A. Medical Center for the excellent care given to Duane over the last four years.