William Gardner

Age 91, former Dean of the College of Education at the University of Minnesota, passed away peacefully in St. Paul, MN on Sunday, February 16, 2020. He was the proud son of English and Swedish immigrant parents, a child of the Depression, an intellect of the highest order, a committed teacher and mentor, an involved citizen of our country, and a wonderful dad, husband and friend.

Bill was born on October 11, 1928 in Hopkins, MN.  Preceding him in death were his parents, William Henry and Ida Beatrice (Swenson) Gardner; brother, Robert Henry Gardner; and sister, Phyllis Beatrice Gardner Werness. He is survived by his cherished wife of 29+ years, Crystal K. Meriwether; former wife, Marcia Anderson Gardner, mother of their children:  Mary (Malcolm) Fenwick, Bret (Lisa) Gardner, Anne Gardner (Matt Smith), and Eric Gardner; ten grandchildren; six great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and colleagues around the world.

Bill valued education and family above all else. He earned three degrees from the University of Minnesota: B.S. and M.A. degrees in Education/Social Sciences and a Ph.D. in Education/American History. After teaching junior and senior high school Social Studies, he joined the University of Minnesota’s College of Education faculty, serving as department chair and Associate Dean before being named Dean of the College in 1977. A St. Louis Park School Board member, he was also affiliated with numerous state, national, and international educational organizations. His consultancies and work after retirement took him to Turkey, the UAE, Thailand, Qatar, and Singapore. His many publications include scholarly articles, books, textbooks, and a social studies curriculum.

Bill’s children will remember him as the inventor of the “aisle runner” basketball maneuver, singer of beautiful harmonies, and admirer of Abraham Lincoln and Angie Dickinson. His wife Crystal “CK” will remember him as a loving soulmate, an intrepid traveler, a witty and stimulating conversationalist, connoisseur of the arts and red wines, and winner of the HealthPartners “Energizer Bunny” award. He was also a lifelong Gophers fan, Friday night poker player, and member of the Hole in One Club at University Golf Course (May 20, 1994, Hole 5).

Memorials are preferred to the William E. Gardner Scholarship Fund, College of Education and Development, University of Minnesota.  Online go to give.umn.edu/giveto/gardner  Checks payable to University of Minnesota Foundation Fund # 23439 and mail to UMF, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266.