Neva Jean Gardner, 91 of Sioux City, IA formally of Oscelola, IA. passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021 at a local care facility. Funeral Services will be held 10:30am Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Riverside Lutheran Church. Burial will be in McCook Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7pm Monday, February 22, 2021 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Ave.

Neva J. Gardner was born January 24, 1930 in Elk Point, SD the daughter of John and Eleanor (Clementson) Johnson. She attended county schools and later graduated from the Elk Point High School. On October 9, 1955 Neva married Victor Emery “Bill” Gardner. They lived in Sioux City, and worked as a waitress. She was a clerk before she married Bill. In the mid 1980’s she graduated from WITT to become a home health care worker. Neva started Clown Ministry in Sioux City, and was an active member of Riverside Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her five sons; Steve Gardner, Kevin Gardner, Rick (Julie) Gardner, Dan (Beverly) Gardner, and John Gardner all of Sioux City, one daughter, Peg (Wayne) McDole of Sioux City, two brothers, Otto (Pat) Johnson of Buffalo, NY., David (Patty) Johnson of McCook Lake, SD., sister, Esther Haines of Elk Point, SD., 18 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.

Neva is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill, son Paul “Andy” Gardner, grandson Paul Andrew Gardner, Jr., one brother Paul Johnson, three sisters, Elaine Johnson, Evonne Bancroft, and Shirley Waag, and one granddaughter, Kylee Gardner.