Dean Gardner

Dean L. Gardner, age 76 of Lebanon, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024 at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital. Born in Lebanon, he was the son of the late Charles and Helen (Templin) Gardner. He was the loving husband of the late Judith A. (Flickinger) Gardner.

Dean was the second youngest of nine children. Upon graduating from Lebanon High School, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in England. After returning to the States, he met his soon to be wife Judith Flickinger. From there he would graduate from Millersville University with his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He retired from the Lebanon School District as a fourth grade elementary teacher at Northwest Elementary School.

Dean fought to stay with his family in this life for a few days after receiving a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Unfortunately, it was too much to overcome and his body was tired. His family was by his side, including his grandchildren. He will be missed greatly. Dean had an outstanding sense of humor, loved trips to Disney, was the #1 fan of the Cedar Crest Lady Falcon Basketball team, and loved to tell stories of when he was stationed in England. To those that knew him, Dean will fondly be remembered as Dad, Grandpa, Pop Pop, Dean or Deano, teacher or simply a great friend.

Dean is survived by his two daughters - Michelle Etter and her husband David; and Shauna Francis; a son Matthew Gardner and his wife Elizabeth; two grandchildren - Andrew Etter and Kaila Francis; one granddaughter on the way Zoey Gardner (due April 2024); and three brothers - Neil Gardner, Dennis Gardner and Shawn Gardner. Dean was preceded in death by five other siblings.

A Memorial Service will be held at Wiedeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 357 S Harrisburg Street, Oberlin, PA, 17113 on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 12:00 PM. Committal will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Friends and family will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Falcon Foundation, 105 East Evergreen Road, Lebanon, PA 17042. To make a donation by credit card: https://falconfoundation.charityproud.org/Donate.