ELMA — Daniel Joseph Gardner, a lifelong Northeast Iowa farmer, longtime Howard-Winneshiek school bus driver, devoted family man and skilled craftsman, died Sunday, July 19, 2026, at his home in Elma, surrounded by family. He was 68.
Gardner was born Aug. 11, 1957, in New Hampton to Fred and Francis “Joey” Kelly Gardner. He grew up in the area and graduated from Crestwood High School in 1975 before continuing his education at NICC Vocational School.
According to his obituary, Gardner spent his life closely tied to the land, family and the Elma community.
He married Diane Tieskotter on April 12, 1980, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Lawler. After initially living in Elma, the couple moved to the family farm in 1987, where they built their life together and raised their family.
Farming remained central to Gardner throughout his life. His obituary describes agriculture not simply as a job, but as a way of life that reflected his patience, work ethic and appreciation for the rural world around him.
Gardner also spent 26 years driving a school bus part time for Howard-Winneshiek Community Schools.
In that role, he became known as a steady and dependable presence for generations of students. His obituary notes that he had a natural ability to connect with people and make conversations and lessons relatable while leading by example.
Away from farming and driving a bus, Gardner was known for his ability to build, repair and create.
He enjoyed woodworking and tackling do-it-yourself projects and was described as meticulous and highly capable with his hands. He had a talent for seeing possibilities in things others might overlook and took pride in completing projects carefully and correctly.
Gardner also remained a loyal Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Family, however, stood at the center of his life.
His obituary describes his marriage to Diane as marked by deep companionship, humor and loyalty, noting that Dan rarely wanted to do something unless his wife could be alongside him.
Those who knew him also remembered his patience, storytelling ability, humility and gratitude. He was described as a man who made others feel welcome, encouraged those around him and valued opportunities that brought his family together.
Gardner is survived by his wife, Diane Gardner of Elma; sons Jason Gardner and his wife, Kari, of Elma, Justin Gardner and Rachel Lee of Wewahitchka, Florida, and Jonathan Gardner and his wife, Ellaine, of Huxley; daughter Jenni Sexton and her husband, Sam, of Kansas City, Kansas; brother Larry Gardner and his wife, Beth, of Kansas City, Missouri; sisters Kay Flaherty of Elma and Patsy Lepa of Lime Springs; and grandchildren Gabbie, Mia and Violet Gardner, Asher Sexton, Bradley Gardner and Ava Gardner.
He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Francis “Joey” Gardner; his parents-in-law, Wilfred and Adella Tieskotter; and brothers-in-law Tom Flaherty and Roger Lepa.
SERVICES
A public rosary will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, 508 Maple St. in Elma.
Visitation will follow from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
A parish scripture service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday following the visitation.
Visitation will continue for one hour before the funeral Mass on Friday.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 203 Seventh St. in Elma, with the Rev. Donald Hertges celebrating the Mass.
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Elma.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Flaherty, Jeff Flaherty, Jon Flaherty, Rob Gardner, Scott Gardner, Matt Gardner and Andy Gardner.
HUGEBACK-JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY in Elma is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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