Mark Young Gardiner, born to Harold & Erma Gardiner on November 16, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away suddenly on December 26, 2022 in Spirit Lake, Idaho.

Mark is survived by his forever wife, Sherry Mullen Gardiner, his three sons, Matthew, Michael (Kali), Daniel (Sandy), and daughter, Kelly (Wade). Also, his brothers Paul and Art Gardiner, and sisters Louise (Cole) Durham and Sue (David) Wolfgramm. Mark's greatest loves in life (besides gardening with his sweetheart) were his grandchildren: Karli, Elizabeth, Samantha, Megan, Rebecca, Cade, Jenna, Kassie, Erin, Joely, Alaina, and Grant. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold, and sisters, Jean Gardiner, Janice Wright, Erma Winter, and Marsha Gardiner.

Mark spent his childhood working in orchards, gardens, and on dairy farms. From stories he's told his children, he also spent a lot of time being in trouble, causing mischief and mayhem at every turn. He was involved in track and field at Highland High School, where he realized his love of running. He was able to run track for the University of Utah for one year before getting called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served honorably in the South Brazil Mission where he became fluent in the Portuguese language. After returning home from his mission, Mark reconnecting with Sherry, and after only a few dates, it became clear she was to be his wife. He won her heart through the many beautiful poems he wrote her. Mark and Sherry were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Utah Temple on August 17, 1965.

Mark and Sherry lived in the cutest bungalow in Salt Lake City, east of the University until Mark was asked to work on his Uncle Welby's dairy farm in Heber City, Utah. From there, they moved to Logan, Utah where Mark completed his Bachelor's of Science degree in Heavy Machinery. After living in Utah for a few years, the family moved to several Idaho cities including: Parker, ID, American Falls, ID, Burley, ID, Ashton, ID and Spirit Lake, ID. In those years, Mark tended to his life, much like a garden…providing those that came in contact with him a place to grow and bloom. From heavy equipment mechanic to running a million-dollar parts department, Boy Scout leader to Stake Patriarch, Mark did what he did best, serving and loving all those around him, tilling and toiling until the work was done. We will miss his hands, his laughter, and his unmitigated love for the Lord, his family, friends and nature.

We invite you to a celebration of his life on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ashton 3rd Ward Building, 1313 N. 3600 E., located by the Ashton Cemetery. There will be a viewing at the same location on Monday evening, 5:30pm-7pm and Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Parker Cemetery under the direction of Baxter Funeral Home. Luncheon after interment provided by the 3rd Ward Relief Society in the 3rd Ward building.

Services will be streamed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/mark-gardiner