Michael T. Gardner, 80, Brownsburg, passed away Thursday, August 25, 2022. He is terribly missed by his family. Michael was the man who could fix anything: planes, trains, automobiles, and grandchildren's toys. Michael was born in Dayton, Ohio and grew up around the Midwest and in Texas. Michael graduated from Purdue University where he spent a lot of time at their flying field. While finishing up at Purdue, he went on a blind date and met his wife of 52 years, Jean (Knapp) Gardner. After he served in the Army during the Vietnam War, the two were married and he started work at Allison Gas Turbine. He also worked on trains at Conrail and other jobs before retiring from Allison Gas Turbine/Rolls Royce North America.

His children remember him as the man who would always be proud of them, suggest dessert, and play games, but would also like a hand in the garage. Most of all, Michael loved his family and loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to tell people that he had four kids and five grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father Val Gardner, mother Margaret Gardner, and brother Val "Butch" Gardner II. He is survived by his wife Jean Knapp Gardner, daughter Jill (Paul) Rothenberger, son Kenneth (Jennifer) Gardner, son Thomas (Chelsea) Gardner, and daughter Jennifer Gardner. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren; Jessica Rothenberger, Ian Gardner, Andy Gardner, Neil Gardner, and Pete Rothenberger.  Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm Wed. Sept. 7 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with funeral services there at 1 pm.  Burial will be in Brownsburg Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to have dessert with a loved one and donate to Purdue Aviation.