Nile “Charlie” Gardner, a longtime Phlox resident, died Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was 84 years old. He was born on February 12, 1933 in the town of Plover, Marathon County, a son of Percy and Theresa (Suess) Gardner. He married Dorothy Stadler on November 3, 1956 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Aniwa. She preceded him in death on May 25, 2009.

Charlie served with the United States Army in Korea.

Following military service, he helped his mother work on the family farm. For most of his life he was a self-employed logger. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, and any opportunity to spend time outdoors. In his later years, he worked various handyman jobs for neighbors and friends and up until a few years ago, continued his love of cutting firewood. Charlie never missed an opportunity to tell a good joke.

Survivors include two sons, Calvin (Debra) Gardner, Birnamwood, Douglas Gardner (Jean Hoechrel), Antigo; four daughters, Diana “Tootsie” (Michael) Tapper, Appleton, Deb “Dolly” (Mark) McClintock, Stoughton, Donna (Gary) Hammond, Mosinee, Charlene (Mike) Malueg, Stoughton; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rose “Tootie” (Harold) Schardt, Rochester, Minnesota, Theresa “Tuck” Edgell, Oshkosh; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a sister Verna Pluger; four brothers Joe, Roy, Kenneth and Percy Gardner.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday March 21, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Holy Family Catholic Church with Deacon Tom Hartman, officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery where the Devine-Menting American Legion Post #525 will conduct military rites.

Visitation will be Monday from 3 to 6:00 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church.