A service of remembrance will be held for Donald (Don) James Gardner of Clarks Grove, at 2 p.m. today at the Bonnerup Funeral Service. Interment will be in the Clarks Grove cemetery. Gardner died Thursday evening, Sept. 5, 2002, at his home in Clarks Grove. He was 71.

Donald was born May 18, 1931 in Faribault, Minn., the son of Leon and Mabel (Galley) Gardner. He was a graduate of Faribault High School, and served in the U.S. Army. Don was united in marriage to Nettie Avery on Jan. 12, 1968 in Mason City, Iowa. He made his home in Clarks Grove for the past 30 years and had lived in Nerstrand, Austin and Northfield. Donald was employed by the Sorenson Brothers Construction Co., Erin Construction and Valley Paving. He retired in 2000 after 45 years. Don was a member of the Local Union 49ers. Donald enjoyed spending time with his family, handiwork, auctions and working on the Clarks Grove walking trail.

Donald is survived by his wife Nettie of Clarks Grove, children; Barbara and her husband Wayland Eppard of Rochester, Craig Gardner of Dundas, Minn., Betty and her husband John Dawald of Faribault, Minn. Stepdaughters Vicki Knape of League City, Texas., Toni and her husband Mark Walters of Whitehouse, Texas.

Grandchildren; Jacob, David, Nick, Ethan, Hailey, Justin, Katie and Allison. One great-grandchild Chloe. Brothers Gene and his wife Margaret Gardner of St. Paul, Burton and his wife Esther Gardner of Mausten, Wis. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials are preferred to Crossroads Community Hospice of Albert Lea.