Willie D. Gardner Jr.

1955-2021

Willie Gardner, 65, of Kenosha passed away on Saturday July 17, 2021 at Froedtert South-St. Catherine's Hospital.

Willie was born on November 15, 1955 in Kankakee, IL, the son of the late Willie & Virginia (Carr) Gardner Sr.   He was educated in the schools of Kenosha, graduating from Bradford H.S.  Willie married Dora Cotton in 1978 in Kenosha, although they later divorced they remained best of friends secretly still in love.

Willie was employed at AMC/Chrysler for many years. He attended various churches throughout the years.  His hobbies included fishing, hunting, gardening, cheering for the Bears, watching the ID channel, and working cars. Willie loved spending time on the phone with his daughter, they referred to each other as ( Bonnie and Clyde) although they lived miles apart there hearts were inseparable.  He loved talking on the phone with his friend Dennis and anyone else who called on him. Willie also loved going to his friend Larrys  home and sitting down enjoying old school music while Larry cooked and sitting in the yard with Marvin who  we call NuNu  while he cooked on the grill.  Willie would look forward to his fishing time with Denise Hadley and his sister Linda.  He would watch the lilac bush and announce the white bass is running lets go fishing. Willie love going on road trips with his sister to visit relatives in Tennessee and Mississippi or sitting on the back porch with his brother Eddie talking when he didn't venture up to his house early in the morning.  Most  of all spending time with family & friends. Willie always appreciated any and everything that was given or done for him.

Survivors include his daughter, Willye Shalynn "Shay Shay" Gardner of GA; brothers, Charles (Belinda) Gardner of Kokomo, IN, Dewayne Gardner, Michael Gardner, Eddie Gardner Pehlivan all of Kenosha; sisters, MaryAnn (Frank) Marchese, Linda (Cephus) Norwood, Jewel (Antonio) Shepard all of Kenosha; special longtime friends, Dennis Noel, Denise Hadley and Larry & Marvin Varnell; and many nieces, nephews, family & other friends.

Willie was preceded in death by his brother, Frederick Gardner.

A visitation will be held on Thursday July 29, 2021 at Kenosha Funeral Services from 11:00AM-12:00PM, with funeral services to follow at 12:00PM.  Burial Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. Repass at VFW.

Kenosha Funeral Services & Crematory

8226-Sheridan Rd.

Kenosha, WI  53143

(262) 652-1943

www.kenosha-funeral-services.com