Notes for Neal John Gardner: Neal Gardner was born in Carrington, ND on September 13th 1940. His mothers sister, Irene Schultz and her daughter Judy came to the Gardner home to help during this time. She took care of Don and Tom while Neal was being born and during the 10 day stay in the hospital that was required at the time.
Neal started school in Cathay, ND where the family had moved after 5 years in Ruso, ND. After about 3 years the family moved to Ryder, ND. In Ryder Neal played baseball and basketball in school. It was during this time he became interested in music. He started playing the alto sax in the beginners band and was soon in the main band.
In 1954 his father became the first depot agent for the Soo Line Railroad in New Town, ND. The family moved during the summer and so Neal made a few new friends before school started. Neal joined the school band and boys chorus as soon as they got going. He played in recitals, contests and parades throughout his time in New Town.
Neal enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating and so did these things as often as he could. He would stay up late at night when reception was good and dial the radio trying to pick up stations carrying broadcasts of bands he liked. Years later he was playing in one of the bands that were being broadcast over the major networks from hotels and ballrooms all over the US.
After graduating from high school Neal joined the Navy. He got into the Navy band at Great Lakes Training Center and was sent to the Navy band center in Washington, DC. During his early days in the Navy an old injury began to limit him in the performance of his duties. He had a Shoulder that would come out of joint easier and easier. Some surgery was performed but did not cure the problem. He was given a medical discharge.
After getting out of the Navy he returned to North Dakota for a short time and then began attending college to study music. He started in Wahpeton, ND to study the basic requirements. He then moved up to other schools which finally led to the Westlake Jazz Conservatory in CA.
After his schooling he joined a "big band" and began touring the big ball rooms all over the nation. He played in places like the Aragon Ball Room, Myrtle Beach and Roseland. Many of the jobs the band played were broadcast on major radio networks.
Neal got very tired of living on the road and quit playing music to become a salesman in Albuquerque, NM. While there he renewed a relationship with a lady he had met on an earlier trip through there. They had kept in touch while Neal was on the road with a band. After a time they were married.
More About Neal John Gardner: Burial: 04/23/1971, Makoti, ND. Fact 1: SS# 502-40-2735.
Neal John Gardner (b. 09/13/1940, d. 04/20/1971)
Notes for Neal John Gardner: