Arthur J. Gardner (AJ), 75, of North Platte, NE, completed his earthly journey on Thursday, July 18, 2024, passing of heart failure at his peaceful ranch and returned home to heaven. Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
AJ was born January 21, 1949 to Roy and Carolyn (Wood) Gardner in Aberdeen, SD where he grew up with his two sisters Jamie and Karen. After high school he attended college in Sioux Falls, SD and moved to Omaha in 1970 to work as a security guard for Union Pacific Railroad where he met the one true love of his life Suzanne C. Davis. They married on February 16, 1974 in Omaha, NE; AJ adopted her two beautiful girls, and together had another. That same year, AJ was promoted to North Platte to work as a Special Agent for the Union Pacific Railroad and also specialized in hazardous materials, remaining in North Platte ever since.
His greatest passion in life was to be a cowboy and work in law enforcement; he succeeded in both to the fullest extent. After retiring from the railroad, AJ enjoyed being home on his ranch where he had raised and bred American Paint and Quarter horses for over 40 years. He spent his life loving animals, raising his part Japanese girls, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, golfing, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his horses and participating in rodeo events as a team roper, bronco rider, and for a short time entertained as a rodeo clown with his daughter and dearest lady friend and went by the name of Apple Jack. He also loved playing the guitar, singing, dancing, spending time with dear friends, neighbors, international visitors, and thoroughly enjoyed having a good time. His big personality made him known and loved by many and he really lived life abundantly with a sincere heart. He encouraged all of his kids to be hardworking, strong-willed, and independent, which was led by example. A sincere humanitarian, AJ was an active member of the community, always a voice for change, and was one of the founding members who helped facilitate the creation of The Connection Homeless Shelter in North Platte.
AJ is survived by his three daughters, Laurie Gardner (James Taylor IV), grandson Jimmy Taylor V, Jaqie Gardner (Jeff Davis), Nicole (Chris) Kolopanis, sister(s), nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Carolyn Gardner.
In memory of AJ, the family wishes for those who’d like to honor him to do so by making a positive contribution to The Connection, give to Nebraska Children, Feeding America, NAMI, help with preserving wildlife, plant a tree, donate to any animal welfare organization (Humane Society, ASPCA), or to the American Heart Association. We’d like to remind people to spay and neuter their pets, weird friends, and relatives, laugh often, love purely, and above all, be kind to yourself and each other.
If you’d like to reach out to the family for information, service date and location, please contact AJ’s daughter, Nicole (Nikki Gardner) Kolopanis at [email protected] or 772-485-2345.