Doris I. Gardner, 99, of Stewartville, Minnesota, and formerly of Chatfield, Minnesota, died on Monday, Feb. 17,  2020, of natural causes at the Stewartville Care Center, where she had been a resident since 2015.

Doris Irene Herrick was born on Aug. 19, 1920, in Chatfield to Wilfred and Anna (Schultz) Herrick. She grew up in Chatfield and attended school there, graduating from Chatfield High School. In 1942, Doris married Russell Gardner in Chatfield.  Following their marriage, the couple lived in rural Chatfield, where they farmed. They were also employed at the State Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. In 1963, they moved to Cape Coral, Florida, where they made their home for over 40 years. Doris continued her education, receiving her L.P.N nursing degree. She was employed at Ft. Myers Hospital for a number of years until her retirement. Russell was employed as a fireman with the City of Cape Coral and was also a cabinet maker and landscaper. Russell died on May 23, 2009. That same year, Doris moved back to Minnesota to be near family. Doris and Russell enjoyed traveling by tour bus and visited every U.S. state, except Alaska. They were avid league bowlers and loved to square dance, belonging to a 100-mile square dance club in Florida. Doris also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, puzzles and always enjoyed entertaining family and visitors with Russell in sunny Florida.

Doris is survived by her brother-in-law, Joe (Sharon) Gardner of Dexter, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; her parents; sister, Hazel Michaelson; and brother, Kenneth Herrick.          

In keeping with Doris’s wishes, no services or visitation are planned at this time.  Burial and a committal service will be held at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens in Ft. Myers, Florida, where Doris will be laid to rest with her husband, Russell. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Doris are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.