HARLTY - "Newt" passed away suddenly, Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Kent General Hospital.
Newt was born Mar. 7, 1964 in Omaha, Neb. to Sandra Huegerich Gardels and the late Dean Ramon Gardels. He graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in 1982.
He had worked for the State of Delaware Department of Corrections in Smyrna for 28 years, retiring in 2014. Newt then went to work for Wesley College as a shuttle driver for the nursing students until his passing. He enjoyed watching his son play football, baseball and lacrosse. Newt held a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and was a member and teacher at the First State Martial Arts Club. He also enjoyed riding with the Spinning Bagels Cycling Club in Dover. Newt had also attended Holy Cross Catholic Church in Dover.
Newt is survived by his mother, Sandra Gardels of Dover; his wife of 23 years, Brenda Baker Gardels of Hartly; his son, Brett James Gardels of Hartly; brother, Jason S. Gardels of Dover. He is also survived by family members, Carole and Dick Kisner, Hartly; Richard and Cindy Baker, Dayton, Ohio; Mary Wilcutts, Dover; Bernice Baker and Mary Frazier, Dover; Brian and Dawn Kisner, Dover; Amanda Herlache, Bear. He had many family members and friends in the Dover area and in Carroll, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to The Wesley College Nursing Program in Memory of James "Newt" Gardels, 120 North State Street, Dover, DE 19901.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com