Martin Jacob Gardner

Martin Jacob Gardner, affectionately known as "Marty," was born on November 7, 1961, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. He passed away on January 7, 2025, in Granger, Indiana, leaving behind a legacy of commitment, passion, and love for his family and community.

Education was paramount in Marty’s life, both in school and throughout his adult life. He graduated in 1980 from Lawrenceburg High School, where he was an integral member of the 1978 state champion football team. He then earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana in 1984 where he was (amongst other things) a member of the “Grizzlies” football team and president of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Finally, Marty obtained his Juris Doctor from Indiana University in 1987, springboarding him toward his incredibly successful and influential career in law.

Marty loved being an attorney, he loved going to work every day of his life. His contemporaries claimed he thrived the most in preparation for trial, and it was apparent to all that Marty was at his best and most passionate in those times. He was a member of the St Joseph County Bar Association. Marty also received an A-V Preeminent rating through Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating a lawyer can receive from this counsel of his peers. His dedication to his practice, and his clients, made a significant impact and earned him the respect of his peers and the community at large.

Outside of his profession, Marty had a wide array of interests that reflected his vibrant personality. He was an avid reader, always striving to learn something new. He was an active member of the Indiana Falconers Association, training his beloved Red Tail Hawk, Andromeda. He also took great pleasure in being a Boy Scout Leader, including serving on the board of the Boy Scouts of America LaSalle Council. Marty was a lifelong outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, and SCUBA diving. He traveled to some of the wilder and more secluded parts of the country with his kids and, when at home, cared for his large gardens.

His passion and enthusiasm for the outdoors was matched only by his love for his family. Marty leaves behind his children, Justin (Kirsten) Gardner and Hailey Gardner; and his cherished granddaughter, Chloe Gardner. He is also survived by his sister, Jill (Jeff) Fassold; along with his nieces, Sierra and Rylee Gardner, Alex (Gunnar) Ernst, Pacey Fassold; and his nephew, Cody Grady. Additionally, he is remembered fondly for his beloved Red Tail Hawk, Andromeda.

He was preceded in death by his son, Alex Jacob Gardner; his parents, George Martin and Leddie Jane (Johnson) Gardner; and his brother, George "Giggy" Gardner.

Visitation will be held at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel in Granger, Indiana, enter off Cherry Rd., on January 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and again on January 17, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A funeral service will follow on January 17, 2025, beginning at 12:00 PM. Cremation will be handled privately, allowing his loved ones to spread his ashes, and continue his lifelong passion of exploring the great outdoors. Marty's warmth and generosity of spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his legacy will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.