Obituaries

Loyde Richard Gardow, 86, of Eau Claire passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Milestone Senior Living.

Loyde was born to Herman and Delsie Gardow on January 19, 1939, in Eau Claire, WI. Loyde graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1957. After graduation, Loyde joined the United States Army. He served from September 12, 1957, to September 3, 1960. After returning home, he reunited with his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Miles. They were united in marriage on December 30, 1961, and purchased their first home in 1967. They raised their 4 children in that home.

Loyde was employed at Fear Concrete, which is now County Concrete. This is the only job he had until he retired. He enjoyed watching his kids as they grew into adults. He tried his best to be at all of our sporting events to cheer us on to do our best. Every year we took a week-long family camping trip to Pine Point County Park on Lake Holcombe. Dad tried to teach us how to fish, however; some of us weren’t that patient. Dad also enjoyed teaching the boys to hunt. Dad really enjoyed planting a garden every year. He loved fresh vegetables, along with having canned vegetables in the winter. Dad taught us a work ethic with his garden and cutting wood to heat the house. Dad did his best to balance his home/work life for his family.

After retiring, and the kids were all married, Loyde, along with his wife, enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren. They enjoyed watching them for a weekend, to cheering them on at a sports event and even being able to attend their weddings.

His life desires were to have a stable home life for his family, encourage them in their desires, and show his love for his wife. And now the Lord has called him home to be with Him and family members that have gone before him.

Loyde is survived by his children, Brian (Lori) Gardow, Keith Gardow, and LuAnn (Jerry) Schlough; daughter-in-law, Deann Culpitt-Gardow; brother, Darrell Gardow; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Loyde was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Delsie Gardow; his wife, Evelyn (Miles) Gardow; son, Bradley Gardow; granddaughter, Nicholle Gardow; great-grandson, Jackson Schlough; siblings, Duane Gardow, LaMoine Gardow, Muriel Amundson, Jeanine Lacy, Lillian House, Robert “Bob” Gardow, Shirley Mahlum, Lyle Gardow, and George Gardow.