Portage Lake --- Elden H. Gardner, 97, passed away Friday, May 1, 2020, at a Presque Isle healthcare center. He was born September 29, 1922 in Allagash, a son of the late Thomas and Gladys (Mills) Gardner.

Elden worked many years for Great Northern Paper and the Pinkham Mill. He enjoyed being amongst the trees and would take many rides through the woods, and occasionally go hunting and fishing. He and his wife attended Union Congregational Church, Ashland. He will be greatly missed and we rejoice he has been reunited with his departed family and friends.

He is survived by: his wife of 37 years, Eugenia "Jean" (Sutherland) Pelletier Gardner of Portage Lake; a stepdaughter, Sheila Pelletier of Caribou; one sister, Clara McBreairty of Allagash; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Elden was predeceased by his first wife, Adeline (Pelletier) Gardner, an infant son, Elden Jr., brothers Hubert, Payson and Wilbur Gardner, twin brothers Leslie and Lester Gardner, and sister Belle Gibson.

Elden's family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to nurses, doctors and staff at Presque Isle Rehab and Nursing for their excellent care and compassion during Elden's stay.

A Graveside Service will be celebrated at 1:00 PM  on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at Evergreen Cemetery, Main St., Caribou, with Pastor Nathan Gardiner officiating. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St/PO Box 39, Ashland.