Herman Pearl Gardner, age 89, of Bowler, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Born on August 23, 1937, to the late Adrian and Angela (Martin) Gardner in Red Springs. He was proud to have served in the United States Navy and was discharged in July of 1958. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Christ in Milwaukee on December 21, 1962. She later preceded him in death on August 13, 2021. Herman lived in Appleton for 11 years before returning to Bowler in 1971. He worked as a logger with Wayne Martin and was a game warden for the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe. He later worked for Duffek Sand and Gravel for 11 years. Herman later became a truck driver for Jeff Dixon while also working for the Roads Department. He was proud to have established the Stockbridge Mud Runners and enjoyed watching his boys race. He will be deeply missed.

Herman is survived by his children, Kurt and Joey; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Austin) Pingel, Heather, Tara, and Shania (Significant Friend Zena); his great-grandchildren, Jax, Talia, Trace, Cooper, and Cam; and his siblings, Ralph Gardner, Robert (Norma) Gardner, and Chenda (Doug) Miller. He is further survived by numerous other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn Gardner; and his siblings, LeRoy and Arletta.

A funeral service for Herman will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Lutheran Church of the Wilderness with Pastor Paul Johnson officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am on Tuesday at the church until the time of service. Burial will be held at the Stockbridge-Munsee Indian Burial Grounds, where Military Honors will be conducted by the Mohican Veterans and the Gresham American Legion following services. A potluck luncheon will be served after services, please bring a dish to pass.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and tribal nurse Katie Carroll for their care of Herman.