Daniel E Gardner

Daniel Edwin Gardner, age 78, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, February 9, 2026. He was born on April 27, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois.

Dan spent his childhood and many formative years in Homewood, Illinois, before settling in Munster, Indiana, where he lived for the majority of his life. As a student, Daniel Gardner studied Industrial Design at the University of Illinois in Chicago ('70) and later earned a Master's degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology in City Planning.

For a significant portion of his career, Dan worked at the Northwest Indiana Regional Planning Commission, where he led development of the Port of Indiana from the 1980s through the early 2000s. He took pride in work that helped shape the region for future generations, and it was through this work that he made connections that stayed with him through the rest of his life.

A lifelong lover of baseball, Dan was a devoted Chicago White Sox fan, rarely missing a game and almost always having one on the radio or television. He was also a gifted architectural artist, spending countless hours sketching buildings and landscapes inspired by the city he called home. Above all, Dan will be remembered as a generous, patient, and loyal father and friend. His steady presence, kindness, and humor left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Catherine "CJ" Gardner (Tony Smaniotto), and grandsons Leonardo and Lorenzo. Dan was overjoyed to meet both boys and was grateful for the quality time he was able to spend with them. He is also survived by his sister, Marion; his niece, Jessica; and her husband, Keith.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Edwin Gardner, and by his sister, Dorothy, who now welcome him home.

A memorial service will be held in April, near his birthday, at Tews-Ryan Funeral Home. Details will be shared at a later date. For further information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.