Thank you for sharing John's extraordinary life story. Did he know he had only 60 years, in which to pack such amazing achievements, such devotion to scholarship, an incredible record of service. May his legacy be your strength and consolation, Julie. May the pieces of your broken heart come together in the bosom of your family as you follow your loves as Mother, Grandmother, Writer, Friend, Helper, Giver. The greatest of these is Love, once again.

This is the most beautiful eulogy. Love you dearly, Julie. You and your family have been in my thoughts daily since John's passing. My deepest heartfelt condolences. You are all being held tight by a great many near and far.

Oh Julie, how wonderful. Alice and I hold you and all the family in our hearts and arms. Much LOVE and hugs, Tommy & Alice 😊😢

Julie, we appreciated your visit to us when you were in Kansas. We always enjoyed your Sunday night visits to discuss tatch...so sorry that you are experiencing losing your love, John. George was saddened when I shared the news. Love to you and your family...Donna and George

Please post a mailing address where cards may be sent.
Love you

A very Beautiful eulogy. That’s how I will always remember him. A man who loved simple pleasures like a dance, to the complexities of agriscience, for which he dedicated his life. He was a very spiritual being. I could feel his prayers. As he was dying, he was helping me heal, survive, I cherished our friendship. May God have mercy on your soul. R.I. P. My good brother. The Lord feeds his sheep. Peace✌️❤️🙏

Julie,
An absolute beautiful story of your love and life together. John was an exceptional man who influenced many lives. We were so fortunate to have both of you and your family in our lives. Wish I could be there to hold you and share your tears. Know that you and the family are in our daily houghts and prayers.

Julie, your heartfelt obituary is a beautiful tribute to your love of a lifetime. Your writing totally captured the essence of who John was. He was well respected & well loved by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Truly one of the most beautiful obituaries I've ever read. John was one of the good guys. He always reminded me of the actor Jimmy Stewart....salt of the earth, and solid through and through. I have to think that God brought you two together so young, knowing that you needed to start early to have a wonderful, long life together...although it could never be long enough. The grace and love and even humor the two of you demonstrated these last four years was truly inspiring. In the words of the Linda Ronstadt song, "The love you gave us throughout the years, will see us through these tears....you can go now...goodbye, my friend".
Sending love to all the Gardners and especially to you, Julie.

Dear Julie, I'm reminded in your words how difficult these first days are, even with the distraction of arrangements to be made and people coming into town. Whatever the challenges of John's life with cancer, you faced them together. With his death, that changes in ways almost too profound to put into words. You will get through this. In the meantime, allow your broken heart to be soothed and comforted by the love of those around you, and by the absolute faith that your life with John will never fade, never be diminished even with the passage of time. Blessings on him, and on you, and on the richness of the life that you brought to this world. Rest in peace.