Veronica Gardner

Veronica G. Gardner, 88, of La Crescent, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at the Golden Living Center in La Crescent.
She was born in New York, N.Y., on June 9, 1927, to Benjamin and Florence Connolly Begendorf and grew up in New Jersey. She married Milton M. Gardner on July 26, 1952, in La Rouchelle, France. Milton preceded her in death on September 10, 1991.
Veronica was a wonderful, loving wife, mother and grandmother who was deeply devoted to her family and to her Catholic faith. She held the Sacred Heart of Jesus very close to her own heart. She was always considerate of the needs of others and was also a passionate animal lover who adored her pets throughout her life. Veronica was a talented roller skater in her younger years and she often spoke about the fond memories she had of the ocean and the Jersey shoreline.
Veronica is survived by her children, Florence Houdek of Texas, and Tony (Peggy) Gardner, Robert Gardner, Bill (Mary Jo) Gardner, Dianne (Chuck) Kreibich, and John Gardner all of Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Dan Kreibich, Jessica (Kyle) Amerson, Amanda Kreibich (Ryan Berns), Alissa Houdek, Michael Gardner, Kayla Gardner, and Natalie Gardner; seven great-grandchildren, Brook Kreibich, Madison Kreibich-Berns, Chase Kreibich-Berns, Morgan Kreibich, Veda Houdek, Jack Amerson, and Brooklyn Amerson; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Lommler of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by a brother, Ben Begendorf; and a half-brother, Joe Begendorf.
The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Franta of Mayo Clinic Health System for his respectful and dignified care for our mother. We also want to acknowledge the Hospice team of Mayo Clinic Health System for their devoted care to our mother.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 11th, at the Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent. Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Ennichement of her urn will follow at the St. Francis of Assisi Mausoleum in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Family and friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass on Friday at the church. .