Craig L. Gardner, age 84, of Dubuque, Iowa, formerly of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in his sleep at 11:32 a.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Care Initiatives, Dubuque Specialty Care.  In keeping with Craig’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or service.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, is assisting his family.

Craig was born on June 28, 1941, in Wausau, Wisconsin, son of Walter and Irene (Taylor) Gardner.

He attended school in Rosholt, Wisconsin and graduated from Rosholt High School.

He married his ‘partner-in-crime’,  Linda Tress, on April 19, 1974, in Wausau.  They were married for 23 years before divorcing, but remained close friends to this day.

Craig began working for the city of Wausau, Wisconsin in 1975. He worked in the Street Department, Water Department, Water Treatment Plant and as Union President for the city.  He retired in 1995, after 20 years of service.

Craig was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Dubuque.  He enjoyed golfing, cutting firewood and watching stock car races. Craig enjoyed listening to, and collecting, old country and Polka music.  He liked spending time at home working in his gardens, but he truly enjoyed the time he spent with family and his grandchildren.

Those left to cherish Craig’s memory include

his son,
Jere J. (Tammy) Gardner, Dubuque, IA;

his daughter,
Kristi G. Gardner, Wausau, WI;

his grandchildren and great-grandchildren;

and his former wife,
Linda Gardner, Dubuque, IA.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, William Gardner.

His family would like to thank Care Initiatives and Hospice for all the care and compassion they showed to him over the last several months.

Cards and memorials in Craig’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Craig Gardner Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com