Gregory Tardiff

Gregory Jon Tardiff, 74, of White Bear Lake, MN passed away surrounded by family while holding his wife Suzanne’s hand on December 23, 2021. Born in St. Paul, MN, Greg grew up in White Bear Lake, enjoying the outdoors and especially hunting with his father. Greg attended White Bear Lake High School where he played football and made the All-Suburban team in 1964. He made great friendships in high school which he maintained until his passing. Greg was a fierce protector of his sisters Mary and Michelle, and a cherished brother to Brett. He met his beloved wife, Suzanne, at a broomball party in 1970, they were married on December 29th, 1971, celebrating 50 years of marriage this year.

Greg was a very proud Navy veteran. He entered the Navy in 1968, and was stationed in Corpus Christi, TX, where he learned to love horses, a love that would follow him for the rest of his life. In 1971, he embarked on a nine-month tour during which time he served on the USS Saratoga, sailing from Mayport, FL to the port of Vietnam. A parachute rigger, his work saved a number of pilots whose planes went down during the war, relying on the parachutes Greg packed to bring them safely back to earth.

Greg was a fantastic father to Megan and Chris. He coached Chris’s football teams and Megan’s softball teams. A great coach, he was known for fostering camaraderie and team spirit, and making sure everyone on the team felt valued and had a chance to play. They grew up on an 8-acre hobby farm in Hugo, MN where they had many horses, dogs, and cats - each with their own unique memories and stories.

Later in life, Greg and Sue began taking care of their niece, Ashley, from age 4. Greg shared his love of horses with Ashley, who became an unofficial daughter and sister, accompanying Greg and Sue on many camping trips, trail rides, and spending many summers at the farm in Hugo.

Greg worked for the post office for 20 years, retiring in 2004. That same year, Greg and Sue retired to Oklahoma where they lived on an 80-acre ranch, during which time Greg was able to ride all over the countryside. Megan, Chris, Ashley, and their significant others spend many “Christgivings” in Oklahoma, during which time there was much fun celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter all in one weekend. Greg and Sue made many connections and friends during their time in Oklahoma.

In 2018, Greg and Sue moved back to White Bear Lake to be closer to their growing number of grandchildren.

Greg is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Mitch. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Suzanne; children, Megan (Jim), Chris (Alena) and “daughter” Ashley; his brother, Brett; sisters, Michelle, Mary, and Kathleen; and his grandchildren, Oliver, Irma, Roman, and Norman.

Funeral Service will be December 30 at 11am with visitation 9am - 11am at Bradshaw Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4600 Greenhaven Dr., White Bear.  Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Masks are preferred.