Helen Marie Gardner

Helen M. Gardner, 85, of Overton, Nebraska, died Thursday, October 21, 2010, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. Helen was born February 26, 1925, to Leon and Annie (Rasmussen) Sayles in Kearney, Nebraska. The family moved to Overton Helen’s sophomore year of High School. She graduated from Overton High School in 1943 and went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She was united in marriage to John A. Gardner, Jr., on August 1, 1948 at the Christian Church in Overton. Four daughters were blessed to this union: Lynn, Kay, Nancy and Judi. Jack and Helen spent the majority of their life in Overton. Helen stayed busy raising her four daughters as well as being active in the church and community organizations. She had a love for music and played at the Overton Christian church for many years. Helen also adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her four daughters: Lynn and husband Bill VanZandt of Mason City, Nebraska Kay Gardner of Portland, Oregon Nancy and husband Bill Simmerman of Elm Creek, Nebraska Judi Gardner of Bangor, Maine Three grandchildren: Cary and husband Jason of Lincoln, Nebraska John and wife Mandy VanZandt of Mason City, Nebraska Annie Wessels of St. Paul, Nebraska Five great-grandchildren: Addison, Shyan, Nevaeh, Nolan and Chloe. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, infant sister Madgel Ann and granddaughter Gayle VanZandt. Funeral Services will be held Monday, October 25, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at Overton Christian Church with Pastor Will Thompson and Reverend Greg Gangwish, Co-Officiating. Burial will be held in the Overton Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 24, 2010, from 3-5 p.m. at the Overton Funeral Home. Memorials are kindly suggested to the Overton Christian Church, Overton Volunteer Fire Department or KJLT Christian Radio Station. Overton Funeral Home in Overton is in charge of arrangements. Please direct online condolences to the family via: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com