Kenneth Ardray Gardner III, 65, of Readlyn, IA, died on Friday, February 7, 2020 at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

Ken was born on June 21, 1954, in Cincinnati, OH, to Kenneth Ardray Gardner II and Arlene Damm.

He served in the United States Army, 1971-1972, during the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge.

He was a machinist at Viking Pump for 30 years retiring in 2009.

He is survived by sons, Travis (Acasia) Gardner and Mitch (Emily) Gardner, both of Waterloo; a daughter, Katy (Joe) Ricklefs, Cedar Rapids; a step daughter, Patricia Mitchell, Waterloo; grandchildren, Kennedy Ricklefs, Connor Ricklefs, Marley Gardner, Brielle Gardner, Brynleigh Carlson, Kenneth A. Gardner V; step grandchildren, Kelsie Mitchell and Jacob O’Connell; a brother Woodrow Gardner, Waterloo, and three step siblings.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Otto Mueller; and a son, Kenneth Ardray Gardner IV.

There will be a Celebration of Life 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Rivers Edge Christian Church, Waterloo with military rites by Evansdale AMVETS Post #31 and Waterloo AMVETS Post #19.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a fund to be established.

He loved and is survived by his two dogs: “his boys,” Bandit and Ollie.