In loving memory of

Benjamin Arthur Gardner
March 5, 1955 - July 8, 2021

Benjamin Arthur Gardner II, peacefully passed away July 8,2021, in the care of hospice surrounded by family and friends. He was a live long resident of Grand Haven, born to Ben and Marjorie Gardner on March 5,1955.
He was preceded in death by his parents (and his niece Tammy Bates). He is survived by his sisters, Judy (Larry) Bates of Grand Haven, and Sally (Ed) Hendricks of FL.
Ben, was known as "Benny" to his family and friends. He married Gail Paulson of Muskgeon, August 20, 1977 and raised two children. Kevin Benjamin Gardner, of Norton Shores, Shannon (Brian) Johnson of Bridgeton. He had five grandchildren, and four great -grandchildren, and Aniya, Micci, Mayven, and Marley would tell was the best "Poppy" ever! A special mention of his grandson-in-law and friend Mitchell (Micole) DeJohn.
Ben started working for his father at a young age, while attending GHSH, as a Mason Tender, and worked with him in construction and masonry until he was employed by Shape Corporation, where he was a welder. He retired April 14, 2017. He would teach others everything he knew, if they wanted to learn, and made lifelong friends.
For 26 years he was a member of the American Legion SAL Squadron #28. Not only was he the son of a veteran of Foreign War, he was the father of a veteran in Foreign War. He was a member of the Fruitport Conservation Club, and for many, many years he enjoyed hunting and fishing with Mark Easton. He also enjoyed camping, gardening, backyard fires, long rides, music, and whistling. Recently searching for "yooper lite rocks" in the Upper Peninsula.
There will be no formal funeral service for Mr. Gardner. Prior to his death, he spent a month celebrating his life with loved ones at the Poppen Residence.





Tributes

Tony Sutton wrote on Jul 18, 2021:

"I worked with Ben for 24 years at shape and had alot of goodtimes with Benny, REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.??"

Jacquelyn Jonas wrote on Jul 16, 2021:

"Such fun memories we will remember forever. We had such great times when he abd Gail wiuld come to our home in Ontonagon in the Upper Peninsula. Camping, bon fires, trips to Copper Harbor, watching the bears during dinners in White Pune, lunching tigether at the Tip A Few. Yooperlite hunting on the Lake Superior shore was a highlight of our times together. He will surely be missed, his smile was the best! Gail, you have our heartfelt condolences. Kert and Jackie Jonas"

Connie LaFrance wrote on Jul 14, 2021:

"We remember Ben well and he was such a Great Guy. He worked with my Brother, Dan Hildreth at Shape Corp for many years. Now they are both in Heaven. Hugs and Prayers to Ben's Family. Sorry for your Loss. Connie LaFrance and Steve Jones."

Luanne Brown wrote on Jul 14, 2021:

"Benny was a great, lifelong friend. We were so happy when he and Gail came to San Diego after he retired. We had a lot of fun and I know Benny was grateful. We spent time seeing the sights, listening to rock and roll and catching up with life. He was a super sweet, kind soul. Rest in Peace, Benny. Love you. ?? Luanne and Russ Brown"