DALE RAY GARDNER's Obituary
DALE RAY GARDNER, of Lake Frederick, VA, formerly of Leesburg, passed on July 28, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife Kristine Gardner; two sons, Joshua and Noah; beloved stepmother, Judy; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Cheryl; stepsister, Catherine Judkins; brother-in-law, Dennis Scheunemann; as well as many loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Mary Lou Gardner; and his brother, John.
Dale was born on May 18, 1958, in Flint, MI, the oldest son of the late Norman Gardner and Mary Lou Gardner. He graduated from Hartland High School before getting his bachelor’s degree at Cleary College in Howell, Michigan. Dale served in the United States Coast Guard in the First District, first serving in the Cape Cod-area and later in Boston. Throughout his career in IT and product marketing, Dale worked in various roles and companies. His final position was as Senior Director Analyst in Application and Software Supply Chain Security at Gartner, where he was highly respected by his colleagues and is remembered for his devotion, compassion, intelligence, and humor. While working, Dale made a home for his family in Leesburg, Virginia, and later Lake Frederick, Virginia.
Dale had a lifelong love of nature. As a father, he was very involved with his sons’ Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops, attending many camping trips and serving as a Den Leader. Later, he enjoyed taking camping trips with his wife in their camper. Dale was also an avid photographer, dating back to his photojournalism work in the US Coast Guard. He photographed numerous Boy Scout outings and Loudoun County High School marching band activities. Dale also had a strong interest in fitness as both a cyclist and a runner, participating in numerous marathons and races such as the Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run in Washington, D.C.
Dale met his wife, Kristine Gardner, née Scheunemann, while working at Citizens Insurance in Michigan. The two married in 1991 in Reston Virginia. They had two sons together: Joshua, of Ypsilanti, Michigan; and Noah, of Arlington, Virginia.
Dale will be interred with military honors, his ashes to be buried at sea by the US Coast Guard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rails to Trails Conservancy or the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, two charitable organizations Dale regularly supported.
Please share condolences with the family www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com
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