Janet Gard

NIAGARA, Wis. - Janet A. Gard, 88, of 208 Birch St. in Niagara, began her eternal life with her Savior on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at Maryhill Manor in Niagara. She was born on Aug. 20, 1919, to Gustav and Mary (Johnson) Bannow in Peshtigo. A graduate of Peshtigo High School, Janet worked at Badger Paper Mill there until she married Cedric Gard on June 14, 1941, at Salem Lutheran Church in Peshtigo. The couple was able to spend 14 wonderful retirement winters in southern Texas. After a long and happy marriage of 54 years, he preceded her in death in 1995. Janet was a wonderful homemaker and mother. She was involved in many organizations over the years. Janet played dart ball in the 1950s and was active in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) while her children were in school. She was a troop leader for Girl Scouts, belonged to a Birthday Club with friends, the Homemakers Club, Bridge Club, Friends of the Library, Senior Citizens in Niagara, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was an active member of the Union Protestant Church, now Riverside United Methodist Church, since the early 1940s. She is survived by and is the beloved mother of Paul (Marcia) Gard of Eau Claire, Wis., Sally (Terry) Kmit of Niagara, and Steven (Cindy) Gard of Friendswood, Texas, the loving grandmother of Stephanie (Scott) Buss, Jon (Mary) Gard, Eric Grimm, Janna (Eric) Finger, Hannah (Ben) LaGrone, Amanda Gard, Emily Gard, and Nathan Gard. She was a dear great-grandma to Max and Lucie Buss, Carrie Kohler, Daphne LaGrone, and Sam Gard. She is also survived by a step-granddaughter, Angela (Mark) Timperley, step great-granddaughters, Bronwyn and Teagan Timperley; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Norman Bannow; her sister, Clara Couillard; her son-in-law, Ronald Grimm; and her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverside United Methodist Church. Order of Eastern Star services will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the church. Funeral services will immediately follow. Rev. Patricia Herdt will officiate. A light supper will be offered in the church basement following the service. Burial will be in Niagara Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Monday morning. Condolences to the family of Janet Gard can be expressed at www.tondinfuneralhome.com. The Tondin-Ross and Freeman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.