Madeline (Collins) Gardner

Madeline Gardner (age 94) passed peacefully in Hamburg, Iowa on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Madeline was born in rural Fremont County, Iowa on July 27, 1930 to Harvey “Paul” and Myrtle Emily (Maness) Collins. Madeline attended school in Watson, MO and graduated with the class of 1948. During her time in school she enjoyed playing 3-on-3 basketball for the Watson Eagles. 

She was united in marriage to Harold Issac Gardner on August, 8 1949 in Sidney, Iowa. Harold and Madeline welcomed two children: Charles Paul and Martin Hawley. Madeline was a farm wife and homemaker during her early years of marriage. She started work in the dietary department at Grape Community Hospital in 1969 and retired after 40 years of employment. Those that remember her days in the kitchen still rave about her cinnamon rolls!

She was a member of the Hamburg United Methodist Church. She enjoyed spending her free time crocheting, baking and listening to Elvis Presley. Her favorite thing to do this time of year was to make Christmas candy for all of her friends and family to enjoy. 

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Paul and Myrtle Collins, brother Harvey Collins, sister Leola Jennings and husband Harold Gardner. She is survived by her sons Charles (Debbie) Gardner of Hamburg and Martin Gardner of Hamburg, granddaughter Megan (Zach) Benefiel of Nebraska City and great-grandsons Glen and Dean. 

The family requests that memorials be given to Mt. Zion Cemetery and George C. Grape Community Hospital. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Hamburg, IA.  Burial will be in Mt. Zion (Utterback) Cemetery.  

Visitation will be Monday, December 2, 2024 at Rash-Gude Funeral Home in Hamburg from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.   

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