Paul and Laura Gardner

Paul Earl Gardner and Laura Kay Fipps-Gardner both passed away June 13, 2020 in their home after brief illnesses. 

Paul was born March 23, 1947 in Dowagiac, MI to Henry Eugene and Evelyn May (Pierce) Gardner, who have proceeded him in death. Paul attended Marcellus High School in Marcellus, MI and enlisted in the Navy in 1964.

Laura was born September 25, 1949, in Fargo, ND to Lloyd and Marian Milligan. Laura attended West Fargo High School, Fargo, ND.

Paul and Laura were married December 31, 1990.  Laura joined Paul in his trucking business, and eventually they were awarded a contract to move cargo for our military.  Both were very proud of what they accomplished, and in April 2016, Paul (with 35 years) and Laura (with 26 years) retired from Landstar Transportation.

Although they had called Vail, AZ their home since 2002, they had always dreamed of retiring in the mountains.  They purchased a home in the foothills in Alamogordo, NM and had just  recently moved there.

Paul is survived by two daughters, Paula (Joseph) Gray, Lawton MI, and Paige Gardner, Paw Paw MI, four grandchildren Joseph (Ailsa) Gray ll, Kalamazoo MI, Megan Bierlein, Wayland MI, Jacob (Sydney) Gray, Dowagiac MI, and Mallory Gray, Dowagiac, MI and two great-grandchildren Baylen and Kaelum Bierlein. 
Paul is also survived by a brother, Barry Gardner, Dowagiac, Michigan, two sisters, Shirley (Joe) Mroczek, Marcellus, MI and Sharon Sweet, Paw Paw, MI.

Laura is survived by her mother, Marion Milligan, Fargo, ND, sister Deborah Alm, Milaca, MN, brother Mark (Myrna) Milligan, Moorhead, MN and her many nephews and nieces.

Considering Paul and Laura’s love for animals, the family suggests memorials be made to ASPCA or your local animal shelter.

The Gardner families have entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home.

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