A retired professor at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter was killed in a Monday automobile collision in the southern Minnesota community.

Robert Gardner, 79, of St. Peter died in the 5:30 p.m. crash on U.S. 169, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

Gardner had taught in Gustavus’ theater and dance department since 1971, according to the St. Peter Herald. As a professor emeritus, he was honored in 2020 with the opening of the Rob and Judy Gardner Laboratory Theatre.

According to the State Patrol, Gardner was a passenger in a Toyota Prius driven by Judith Gardner, 86, of St. Peter. She suffered life-threatening injuries.

The Gardners’ car was northbound on Highway 169, turning left onto Washington Avenue and colliding with a Hyundai Sonata that was southbound on 169. The driver of the Hyundai, Daniel Kelley, 38, of Chanhassen, was not seriously injured.

The State Patrol said the Gardner vehicle failed to yield the right of way.

Two other vehicles also collided when trying to avoid the initial crash. Neither motorist was injured.

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