Calvin Ralph Gardner

In a celebration of a life well lived, we announce the passing of Calvin Ralph Gardner (Cal) on Tuesday September 8, 2026.

Cal was born on January 10, 1936, in Neenah to father Ralph Gardner and mother Geraldine Gardner Peck.

Cal is survived by his wife of 37 years Mary Ann (Hirsch/Telin) Gardner, married in 1989. He is survived by daughter Karen Millette (Hank), son David (Wendy), daughter Peggy Carey (Curt) and son Douglas (Teresa). Grandchildren Nicole, Gil, Marin, Nathan, Molly, Patrick and Alexis and great grandchildren Hadley and Henry. He is also survived by three stepsons, Mark Telin (Chris), Scott Telin (Sonja) and Jim Telin including many step grandchildren.

Cal is a lifetime resident of Menasha, WI, graduating from Menasha High School in 1955. Cal served in the Army’s 10th Armored Division from 1955 to 1958.

In 1958, upon his return from service, Cal started his lifelong employment with International Wire Works (Albany International).

Cal was an avid cyclist and one of the founding partners that created the Bago 100 bike ride.

During their life together Cal and Mary Ann loved traveling and globe trotted to many places. They had many exciting adventures, but Hawaii was one of their favorite places to visit.

When Cal retired, he devoted his time to volunteering around the Fox River Valley. He logged over 200,000 miles and countless hours driving people where they needed to go. He will be missed by the many people that depended on a lift from the 'Harrison Man'. He drove a shuttle for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), vets for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), to appointments and local hospitals. He also volunteered at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home at King taking the vets on pontoon rides and fishing. While at King, he met a WWII vet that requested that Cal be his companion for the Old Glory Honor flight. Later, Cal was honored by being recognized with his own Old Glory Honor flight.

Cal’s volunteering not only benefited everyone that needed a lift, but was a great source of pride in his life. It got him out of the house, sound advice for improving marital relations during retirement and he met and became friends with many of the people

Cal will be remembered by many as a good dependable man with a ready smile, recognizable laugh and a helping hand.

Cal’s life will be celebrated in a private ceremony.