James Gardinier

James Gardinier, 75, of Clear Lake, passed away Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels, Mason City, with Pastor Daird Korth officiating.  Following services military honors were conducted by the Mason City Veterans. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions to Jim Gardinier Memorial Fund.

Jim was born Aug. 18, 1940, son of Lyle and Opal (Olson) Gardinier, he was one of seven children.  Jim graduated from Mason City High School, class of 1958.  He joined the Iowa National Guard, then later transferred into the US Army.  Jim was united in marriage to Marcia Olson on May 12, 1971, at Pilot Knob State Park, in Forest City, on horseback.

He worked for Marshall & Swift and Floyd and Leonard Auto Electric.  He and his brother-in-law, Don Reimers, started their own business as Don & Jim’s Auto Electric.  Prior to his retirement in 2003 he owned and operated Jim’s Auto.

Jim was a lifetime member of the NRA, Trail Riders Club, Cerro Gordo County Fair Board, Minnesota Street Rods Association, and served as vice president of the Clear Lake Fishing Club.

He enjoyed restoring and building classic autos, going fishing with his wife, hunting, loved his dogs, horses, and their many animals. He also loved the Hawkeyes, NASCAR, spending good times with his family and friends, and sharing a good laugh.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marcia, Clear Lake; three brothers, Tom (Pat), Opp, Ala.; Steve, Crestview, Fla.; Jerry (Shelly), Clear Lake; two sisters, Ruthann Reimers, Rockwell; Barbara (Russ) Ehrhardt, Manly; two sisters-in-law, Mary Butts, Kansas City, Ms.; Ruth Ann (Doug) Henning, Fertile; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Delores Gardinier.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels, Mason City, was in charge of arrangements.