Ricky T. Garner

Ricky T. Garner age 71 of Arena passed away unexpectedly with health problems at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison on Sunday, March 8, 2026.  He was born on September 26, 1954 in Richland Center, WI the son of Taylor and Nancy (Rohovetz) Garner.  He graduated from River Valley High School in 1972 and married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Richardson on December 22, 1973.  Together they shared 52 wonderful years.  He loved working for Kraemer Company, Iverson & Sons Construction and Mashuda Contractors Inc. until his retirement.  Ricky was a member of the Black Earth American Legion Post # 313 and enjoyed outdoor adventures including, deer hunting, bird watching, fishing, camping, and UTV riding. He also loved to cook outside and bake his famous chocolate chip cookies and rosettes.  Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Bonnie Garner; 2 children, Tina Blackwood and Shaun Garner; 5 grandsons, Brandon and Austin Blackwood, Michael, Cameron and Donivin Garner; his mother, Nancy Laugenberg; 3 sisters, Vicky Garner, Trudy (Rudy) Russo and Cindy (Mike) Longenecker; his favorite aunt, Janet Hassler; in-laws, Kathy Gruber, Diane Richardson, Deb (Greg) Hogan, many nieces, nephews, friends and his best friend Buddy, his dog.  He was preceded in death by his father, Taylor Garner; his step-father, Don Laugenberger; his mother and father-in-law, Joyce and Jim Richardson.  A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home in Spring Green, WI. Online condolences available at www.staffordfuneralhomes.com  The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.