George F. Gardner

On June 23, 2026, George F Gardner, age 94, passed away peacefully, surrounded by members of his family.

George was a long-time resident of Pocatello, Idaho residing in the Tyhee area. For the past 5 years, he and his wife, Floe Roderick Gardner, have resided in Rigby, Idaho.

George married Floe in 1952 in the Salt Lake City Temple. They were married for 74 years before George’s death. Their marriage was blessed with 13 children – 7 boys and 6 girls – over a period of 26 years. One son died shortly after birth. The other twelve children grew to maturity in a loving home and now have families of their own. Both George and Floe have been active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints their entire lives. George’s church callings and assignments have included missionary work, home teacher, priesthood advisor, bishopric counselor, stake high counselor, Sunday School teacher, and nursery leader.

George was born in Riverside, Idaho, on October 23, 1931, to Fred Rulon Gardner and Thora Edwards Gardner. While he was young, his family farmed in Riverside, Kuna, and New Plymouth. He was taught at an early age to work. George graduated from high school in New Plymouth and attended the University of Idaho in Moscow. Upon graduating with a BS in agricultural education, he joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. George was posted to airbases in Illinois, Washington, and California. As an Air Force ROTC graduate, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and served as an adjutant and personnel officer. While at the McChord Air Force Base, he was promoted to first lieutenant.

After completing his military commitment, George returned to the University of Idaho and earned his MS in agricultural education. He taught high school in Parma, Idaho, and, accompanied by his family, served a four-year mission teaching agriculture at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints College of New Zealand in Temple View. For six months before going to New Zealand, George joined the University of Idaho’s Cooperative Extension System. He was rehired by the Extension System upon his return from abroad. He served as a county agent for Jefferson County, the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, Oneida County, and Bannock County in southeastern Idaho. His vocation involved working with farmers, ranchers, 4-H youth, and homeowners. In 1980, he was awarded the Certificate of Commendation at the National Association of County Agricultural Agents for “going the extra mile as a county agent”. He retired in 1995 after 30 years of service. After retirement, George set up his own business, the “Soil Gardener”.

George and Floe enjoyed all facets of family life. He was involved in youth sports programs, Boy Scouts, hiking, backpacking, and camping. Anything where he could be with his children. He and Floe enjoyed gardening and raising crops on their small “farm”. George kept his own milk cows, beef cows, chickens, and pigs. He taught his children how to work hard and the importance of doing things together.

George is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Faye Hansen and Lucille Peterson, a brother, Frank Gardner, a son, Dal Lane Gardner, and a great- granddaughter, Renae Jones.

He is survived by his wife, Floe, a brother, Max (Leola) Gardner of Fruitland, ID, and a sister, Neva Davenport of Meridian, ID. His surviving children are Alan (Sheena) Gardner of Gillette, WY, Linda (Stephen) Roylance of Provo, UT, Terrel (Debora) Gardner of Pocatello, ID, Valery (Roger) Miller of Stanwood, WA, Teresa (John) Reilly of Provo, UT, Shon (Lisa) Gardner of Pocatello, ID, Aloy (Steven) Abbott of Rigby, ID, Bart (Valerie) Gardner of Chubbuck, ID, Dylan (Erica) Gardner of Sunnyside, WA, Aleen (Douglas) Tirrell of Rigby, ID, Christa (Lance) Nielsen of Sandy, UT, and John (Rachel) Gardner of Bonner’s Ferry, ID. 62 grandchildren, 109 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren also survive him.

The funeral will be held at the Chubbuck Stake Center (450 James Avenue, Chubbuck, Idaho) on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The viewing will start at 9:00 AM, and the funeral will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at the Portage, Utah, cemetery following the funeral service