Dr. Loren Eugene Gambrel

Dr. Loren "Gene" Eugene Gambrel, age 94, of Winnebago, IL passed away at home on Friday, August 15, 2025 following a brief illness.

Gene was born June 8, 1931 in Polo, IL, the youngest son of Dr. Earl Thompson and Nellie Jane (Halsey) Gambrel. He graduated from Winnebago High School in 1949 and received his DVM from Michigan State College (MSU) in 1955. He married Anna Belle Gross on March 26, 1954 at the First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, IL.

He was a loving husband and father and active community member. While a student at MSU he was a member of the MSU Men's Glee Club and joined the AGR Fraternity. Gene retired from small and large animal veterinary medicine after 55 years of practice. He served leadership roles in the NIVMA and ISVMA veterinary professional associations. As member of the First Presbyterian Church in Winnebago, IL he served as Clerk of Session and was a great appreciator of the pipe organ. Boy and Girl Scout youth programs were a family passion which included board positions and youth leadership: adventures to Northwoods and Lowden BS Camps, Philmont, and National Jamboree; care of GS Camp McCormick; and in 2015 he received The Silver Beaver Award in recognition for his service. Involvement with the Tebala Temple Ritualistic Divan and the Chicago Shriners Children's Hospital Board were important. He served 28 years on the Win-Bur-Sew Fire Department board of trustees and was a member of the Illinois Farm Bureau. He and Annie enjoyed 60 years at the family Waubesa Lake cottage and often could be found hurrying off to catch another spectacular lake sunset with a glass of wine.

Gene is survived by his 3 children, Sonya (John) Gambrel-Lenarz of Spring Valley, Wisconsin; William (Kathleen) Gambrel of Pecatonica, IL; and Susan Gambrel of Winnebago, IL; grandson, Randall Lenarz of Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his parents; wife of 69 years Anna Belle; his three brothers and four sisters; many beloved friends and dogs.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Olson-Genandt Chapel, 602 N. Elida St. Winnebago, IL 61088 with Dr. Carroll Smith officiating. Masonic Rites including visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 21 at the Olson-Genandt Chapel, Winnebago, IL. Burial will be at the Winnebago Cemetery. To share a memory or condolence visit www.olsonfh.com.

Family requests donations can be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital; Blackhawk Area Council of Scouts; Scottish Rite Children's Dyslexia Center; or Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District.