Forrest “Forrie” A. Gardner, 76, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester.

Forrest was born in Chatfield, Minn., on October 14, 1935, to John and Ethel (Foreman) Gardner. Forrest married Lola Unruh on Oct. 23, 1952, in Austin, Minn. He worked for IBM for 35 years. Forrest was involved with the Golden Kiwanis and Christmas Anonymous. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks. Forrest enjoyed anything outdoors, especially fishing, golfing, biking, walking, swimming and cross country skiing.

Forrest is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lola; four children, Bradley (Sharon) Gardner, of Apple Valley, Minn., Cheri (Bruce) Miller, of Rochester, Nancy (Steve) DeVinny of Rochester, and Kathy (Tom) Mulvihill of Rochester; three sisters, Helen Finley of Rochester, Phyllis Hanson of Austin and Audrey Arens of Wichita Falls, Texas; six grandchildren, Tami (Mike) Weispfenning, of Chaska, Minn., Matt (Kelly) DeVinny of Rosemount, Minn., Sarah (Alex) Currie of Apple Valley, Adam (Kelly) Miller of Coon Rapids, Minn., Jill (Jesse) Davenport of Fayetteville, N.C., and Bryant DeVinny, of Rochester; and six great grandchildren, Hannah, Jesse, Cayson, Kiya, Kennedy, and Kole.

Forrest often said, “I am thankful for my wonderful family.”

Forrest is preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Richard, Lyle, Duane, and Kirk.

A Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, 2011, at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 2815 57th Street NW with Rev. William Meiers officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and an hour before the service at the church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to Hosanna Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.