Fred Gardner III, 60, of LaHarpe, Ill., died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at the Macomb Post Acute Care Center, Macomb, Ill.
Fred was born March 16, 1963, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Fred and Diane Sickles Gardner. He grew up in the Chicago and Fox Lake, Ill. areas. He worked as a licensed insurance agent for almost a decade and an IT specialist at the railroad for a few years, and held other good jobs before retiring to care for his uncle who was disabled. Fred was a self-taught computer genius, he could resolve any technical problem. Fred was a musician, he played 6 and 12-string acoustic and electric guitars, bass, keyboard, drums, and did computer/digital programming for music. He had his own music studio in his home. He and his friends, Greg and Mark had a band named, "The Theory" and created an album called, "The Distance Between Us" produced by High Red Desert Records in Lancaster, Calif. He and his brother Mike played together in one of the songs on the album. Just to name a few of Fred's musical influences, he was inspired by Rush, Yngwie Malmstein, Dream Theater, Joe Satriani, Syd's - Pink Floyd, and Liquid Tension.
He was an avid storm chaser, he loved driving, he enjoyed taking spontaneous road trips, and he loved riding his motorcycle across state. Fred loved to explore nature and he felt at home being outdoors. He discovered rock bluffs, up mountain roads known as switchback roads, and reservoirs for bass fishing. He loved fishing, taking family fishing trips to Lake Michigan in his younger years, and later, he would disappear in Chicago Forest Preserves exploring and fishing for hours, and go to multiple lakes in Indiana with his buddy, Rich. Fred loved being surrounded by hundreds of acres of woods. Fred also loved the water and took his boat out every chance he got, whether it was stationary in the middle of the lake just fishing or taking friends on boat rides and tubing. He always found the best places to go boating and catch big fish. Fred was always a lot of fun to hang out with.
Fred was a good friend to many, he was the best man at two of his friends' weddings. He was there at the birth of his best friend's son and was the best uncle to him and to many of his friends' kids. Fred loved good food, good conversation, and good company. He loved long philosophical conversations, he loved to eat, but most of all, he loved a good Greek gyro. Fred was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks, and he loved watching the games and having casual sports debates with his uncle and with friends.
He took care of his grandmother in her last days and assumed care for his uncle who was a disabled veteran upon her death. He and his uncle lived near High Mojave Desert in California and had many adventures for a time before settling in LaHarpe. Fred was an animal lover, his first dogs were Buster, Barron, Junior, and Cubby, and his cat Crash, and he saved many more animals over the years. He had a kind, gentle, and loving spirit. He was always joking and was a playful kid at heart. He enjoyed being there as much as possible for his friends and family, and many of his friends became his family. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
Survivors include one brother, John (Stacey) Gardner of Galesburg; one nephew, Christopher Gardner; two aunts, Karen Ruiz and Julie Wiewiora, his life-long best friend and adopted nephew, Amanda Blucher and Matthew Mengarelli; and other close friends, Will Smith, Rich Stricula, and Greg Scott. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; one brother, Mike Gardner, and his uncle, Dennis Gardner.
A memorial service will be held in honor of Fred on March 16, 2024, in Chicago Forest Preserves, specific location TBD.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.