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BORN
1965
DIED
2016
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Kevin Gander Obituary
September 18, 1965 - November 24, 2016
Rockford - Dr. Kevin J. Gander, MD, 51, of Rockford, passed away on November 24, 2016. He was born in The Dalles, OR on September 18, 1965, the son of Michael and Ginger (Riley) Gander. His family settled shortly after to Keizer, OR, with his siblings, Doug and Michelle. He enjoyed camping, fishing and many outdoor activities at Detroit Lake. He was industrious at an early age, working as a paper boy, and at Schreiner's Iris gardens. He even worked at painting airplanes to supplement his love of sky diving. He was always adventurous: enjoying snow and water skiing, and completing 100's of sky diving jumps. He graduated from Sacred Heart Academy High School in 1983 and then subsequently graduated from Oregon Health Science University, magna cum laude, in 1996, with his Doctorate of Medicine degree. During this time he fathered Ryan and Hannah, thru his first marriage. He proudly served his residency at University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, and eventually establishing his life within the community.
He met his best friend, Dr. Rose (Schaible) Stocker, DO, and the two married on April 1, 2006. He worked as a Family Practitioner initially, at Grants Pass, OR, then SwedishAmerican Hospital, and lastly at OSF, Rockford, IL and West Bend, WI. Dr. Gander had a devotion to his patients that far exceeded usual expectations, patiently taking the time to personally get to know as many as he could. But his passions and interests went much further than his medical profession. Including his love for coffee that led to the development of Jadabug Gourmet Roasting Company, that is now enjoyed by many. To simply say he was a Chicago Cubs fan, would be an understatement. His love for the team reached far beyond normal Cub fandom. Attending as many games throughout the year that he could, and participating yearly in Randy Hundley's Cubs Baseball Fantasy camp. Even having his dream come true by watching the Cubs win the World Series. Dr. Gander had a brilliant mind, which was often fueled by the melodies of Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder, and many varied musicians. He found great joy in teaching others or helping them learn, including instructing sky divers. He was a selfless man, with an inquisitive mind, a need for adventure, and he rarely met a stranger, that did not become a friend. Above all else, Dr. Gander was a family man first, where he enjoyed spending time and traveling with his family. He will be missed by all of those who knew him.
Those surviving include his wife, Rose; children, Ryan Gander (Hannah Troxel) and Hannah Gander; sister, Michelle Gander; parents, Mike and Ginger Gander; step-children: Desarae Stocker, Kristen (Nick) Friend, and Jennifer Stocker; grandchildren: Jada Stocker, Sophia Friend and Evelyn Friend; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his brother, Doug, and grandparents.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Dr. Gander's life will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 South Mulford Road, Rockford. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Inurnment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Jadabug JDRF project.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Gander
Sponsored by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel.
Kim Marie Wentland & Sandy Huhsman
November 25, 2023
Dear Dr Stocker,
Our thoughts have been with you & our prayer is, during this time ~ your beautiful memories you & Kevin shared will bring you a peace at this time of Thanksgiving. I believe it's those special moments we hold in our heart we refer to as memories that keep us so Thankful God placed this person in our lives to make a difference. Kevin will ALWAYS be with you...heart, body, mind & spiritually he'll watch over you. I know Dr Stocker from the one and only time I met Kevin , he was "slap happy" in love with you ! It was absolutely adorable. I don't think I will ever forget his words when I said, "so, you like my Dr "? "Yea, I think I kinda like her a little"! Full of huge smiles & giggles ! He illuminated ,TRUEST OF LOVE FOR YOU!!!! That love will live on forever within you. He was absolutely crazy if you will, about you! It was obvious from my meeting him, he was the happiest man ever because of you !
Just remember this Thanksgiving how thankful he was to have met the Love of his Life !!! What an amazing gift you gave him ! So incredibly sad his passing Dr Stocker & I'm so sorry for you, but he was very blessed to of found you. You will forever carry his love and memory close to your heart.
Warmest Thoughts & Prayers are Always With You.
Kim Marie Wentland
And
Sandy Huhsman
KIM MARIE WENTLAND
November 24, 2021
Dear Dr Stocker,
Thinking of you during this time...and always. We're so sorry and our heart just aches for you. We pray this Thanksgiving you will be able to focus on all those beautiful heartfelt memories you shared together. And find some sort of peace, perhaps a loving smile being thankful and blessed you and Kevin experienced such a special love.
Mama and I send you peace, love, and many blessings. May this Thanksgiving remind you of all those beautiful memories you are so thankful for that brought so much love and joy into your lives, and be blessed. Amen.
Lots of love coming your way from Sandy Huhsman and Kim Wentland. Our prayers our deeply devoted to you.
We are very lucky and thankful to have such a wonderful person as yourself in our lives.
God bless you and your family, with love and many hugs. XO
KIM MARIE
November 24, 2020
Dearest Dr Stocker,
My prayers and thoughts are with you today and everyday. Try to hold on to all your beautiful memories...your LOVE and LAUGHTER.....and SMILE. I remember when Kevin did a test on me for you and I said so you like my Dr huh? he replied, "yeah, I kinda like her alot" with a big smile! That is my most precious memory of your beloved Kevin and I know how BLESSED he was to meet you Dr Stocker. You're an amazing woman. I'm so lucky you have been my Dr for all these years. May peace and love be with you always....ALL MY LOVE...A GREAT BIG HUG MORE THAN SIX FEET APART BUT IT COMES TO YOU RIGHT FROM MY HEART
Amber Lenoreae
April 23, 2018
You are and will never be forgotton!!!!!
Amber L.
April 23, 2018
You are so very missed!,and never will you be forgotten.
Margaret Richardson
April 15, 2018
Dear Rose, I had no idea you have been suffering the loss of you dear love. My heart goes out to you. May your wonderful memories help you through this very sad time in your life. My love to you and your family.
Paul Rainwater
March 19, 2017
Dr. Gander will be missed. In the short time i knew him he was very kind and knowledgable in my case. He was a doctor that cared, you wont meet too many doctors like him these days(he went out of his way to help) and i will always remember him. My prayers go out to the Gander family
Kathy Peroutka
January 3, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss Dr. Rose Stocker. I send my condolences to you and your family.I just want you to know that I am praying for you and your family.My heart broke when I heard. So,So Sorry! (Kathy)
January 1, 2017
God Bless your family. You will be missed. Very Good Doctor. Always so calm with me.
Amber Kirk
December 22, 2016
You are so missed,you will be forever.
Amber Kirk
December 17, 2016
I knew dr.gander when he was in residincey,at lp jhonson,when i was pregnant with my son,he always listened when the other doctors wouldnt,then he became my sons doctor 17 years later and was very happy to see us,to say he was brilliant is an understatement,to say he was one of the best describes him forever,i cant stop crying.will always love him as our doctor,wish i could turn back time.
December 15, 2016
i was very sad to find out kevin had passed away. i was a patient of his for 20 plus years i adored him as my doctor, he always had time to really listen to me and if he didnt know what was really going on with my health he would research the problem or send me to someone he felt could help me. Dr. Gander will always have a special place in my heart.
pam cinnamon
Joe Sprauer
December 11, 2016
Kevin was one of my best friends in high school. He was very smart, always had a big smile, and loved adventure. We had a lot of fun together skiing, swimming, and anything that had to do with fun. He was a kind, considerate, and loyal friend. He will be missed deeply. He lived a full life for passing at such a young age. Condolences to his family.
Peggy (Margaret) Klock
December 9, 2016
Dr Stocker, it is hard to express the sadness I feel for You and your Family at this time. I pray the Lord gives You the strength and courage to bring You through this most difficult time.
Respectfully Yours, Peggy (Margaret) Klock
December 7, 2016
To Dr Ross Stocker and familyI am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and keep you in loving embrace. JoAnn Spitznogle-Fiori
August 2016
John Perotti
December 7, 2016
My sincere condolences go out to the Gander family. I only knew Kevin from the same passion that we shared, Pearl Jam and their posters. May you all find peace. ❤❤❤
Dr.Gander was an amazing doctor, this is him holding my daughter after I had her, he will be truly missed by so many R.I.P
Heidi Russell
December 6, 2016
Amy Clark
December 6, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the whole family. He was a great doctor
December 4, 2016
Dr. Gander was my Primary care physician. I truly enjoyed his demeanor and approach to patient care.
-Marv Proctor
Kelly Gabel
December 3, 2016
Dr. Gander you were the best.
David Keaggy
December 3, 2016
I met Dr. Gander in 2014, he was the Primary Care Physician for my family. I enjoyed knowing him and enjoyed his wonderful way with his patients. I'll miss him and would like to offer my sincere condolences to his family for their loss.
Dawn Mayberry
December 2, 2016
Dr.Stocker, may god give you strength during this difficult time. From all the comments I have heard about your amazing husband, I can see why you were soul mates. You are also a amazing person and a great doctor as well. I remember not to long ago I had mention this in a conversation the last time I seen you. My family will be praying for you and your family. To Kevin you are a angel of god. May you fly in heaven now. RIH Dr Stocker patients Dawn, Jerry and Angela
Joe Wenstrom
December 2, 2016
My heart goes out to rose and family when i heard about Dr Gander i thought it was a dream i was a patient of Dr Gander he was such a kind man when i would see him for a vist he would always make you feel like family he would explain to me what the best treatment would be for me so i had no worry then we would talk about the cubs even pearl jam and how he smashed his finger building a pet door for his stray cat it will be so hard for me to find another doctor like kevin
Kelly Gabel
December 2, 2016
Dr Gander you were a great doctor. You saved my life when you found my brain aneurysm. You listened to me when I needed to talk. It just so hard to believe your gone. My condolences to your wife and kids. I still wear the Livestrong bracelet you gave me years ago. Well heaven received a super Angel. Love you and you will be missed. Rest In Paradise. ❤
Kim Wentland
December 2, 2016
With Deepest Sympathy,
Love, Kim Wentland XO
Kim Wentland
December 2, 2016
Dear Dr. Stocker, I am so very sorry for your loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I pray God will send you extra angels to carry you through this most difficult time....and may all your beautiful memories with Dr. Gander help bring you some peace❤ I had the great pleasure of meeting Dr Gander once when you had him do a test on me before my surgery. He was very nice...I still remember asking him..."So you're the guy who kinda likes my Dr?" He replied, "Yea I'm the guy who likes your Dr a whole lot!!!" That's the "Beautiful Heartfelt Memory" I have to share with you,Dr Stocker, although I'm sure I already have❤ Lots of hugs, Gods blessings, thoughts, prayers, and love to you Dr. Stocker and your loving family. With Deepest Sympathy, Kim Wentland XO
Crystal Herman
December 1, 2016
U are in my prayers Dr stocker I'm sorry for your loss.
Rhonda Steinwand
December 1, 2016
So sorry to hear that Dr. Gander has passed. I had the opportunity to work with him when he had his practice with Swedes. He was great to work with and treated everyone with respect. My father is/was a current patient of Dr. Gander.
To Rose Stocker, My heart hurts for your loss. I remember many times seeing the two of you together and the joy you shared. No words can express how sorry I am for the grief you are suffering with your family.
Sending my love and prayers,
Rhonda Steinwand, RN
Sharon C.
November 30, 2016
I have never met Dr. Gander personally, but I also work for OSF in Rockford and have done so for almost 19 years. In all that time, I have only heard excellent things regarding Dr. Gander's medical practice. I read with much sadness of his recent passing. My prayers and thoughts are with Dr. Stocker, his children, parents, and many others mourning this loss. May God give each of you the grace and strength you need at this difficult time, and may your loving memories keep Dr. Gander always in your hearts.
Jacqueline Anyu
November 30, 2016
It's hard to believe that he is gone.I was his patient for the past four years and he was always so attentive and made me feel that I mattered and that he really cared about my concerns about my health.What a tragic lost to the rockford medical community.My condolences to his Family.What a gentle soul!
Will be greatly missed
Jacquie Anyu
Julie Spencer
November 30, 2016
Rose,
My deepest sympathies at the loss of your husband. He must have been exceptional because you are exceptional . My prayers are with you and your family.
Julie Spencer
Lynette Wherley
November 30, 2016
Dr. Rose, I'm so sorry for the loss of your loving soulmate Kevin. Whenever I would see your two, it was amazing to see how much you smiled at each other. Believe that God has the good Dr. Kevin working on even greater things than we can know. Prayers of love and peace to you and your family.
Helen & Willie
November 30, 2016
Your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. We have so many fun "Kevin" stories from our years at Fantasy Camp. He will always live in our memories.
steve schreiner
November 30, 2016
I was shocked and saddened to learn that Kevin died.
I have fond memories of Kevin when he worked for us at our gardens when he was in high school and college. He was a good worker, always on time, and I admired him for not wasting money on cars. One summer each day he drove a car with a bashed in front end to work.
I had no contact with Kevin after he left the gardens job. So I was impressed that he became a doctor and that he had so many other interests.
I do recall that he was skydiving when he worked for us.
He was a genuinely nice guy, and it's terrible having to accept that he's gone.
I'm trying to find the address for his family, but in case I fail - my deepest sympathy to you, Mike, Ginger and Michele.
Steve Schreiner
November 30, 2016
I was Dr. Gander's patient for the last five years, since he took over for Dr. William E. Kobler, M.D. when he retired.
He was always so kind and always spent time answering all of
my medical questions.
I told him one day that his voice sounded and always reminded
me of my younger brother Jim.
Can't believe he's no longer with us. I am hurting for his wonderful family too.
Sincerely,
Constance M. Williams-Stein
Kelly Quinn
November 30, 2016
To Rose and family, I am so sorry for your loss. God bless and may you find peace in time. With all my heart. Kelly Quinn
Rachel Stucky (Woods)
November 30, 2016
Kevin was always a light for others. My deepest sympathies to all members of Kevin's family.
Eric Moorman
November 30, 2016
My deep sympathy to Kevin's extended family. I have great memories of working with Kevin out at Schreiner's Iris Gardens. He was always smiling and laughing. RIP
Mobility Connection
November 30, 2016
The staff at Mobility Connection, Inc. sends our condolences. What a terrible loss to the medical community in Rockford. You are in our prayers.
Kathryn Hodge
November 30, 2016
My condolences to the family - May God Bless Your Entire Family!
Kathryn Hodge
Karen Peterson
November 30, 2016
Dr. Stocker, I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband. I hope your memories help to give you some peace. I am praying for you and the rest of your family. Sincerely, Karen Peterson
Esther Sy
November 30, 2016
To Rose & the whole family, it's with much sadness to hear of Kevin's passing. He's always been a good friend, co- resident & colleague of mine since UIC times. I look highly to him as a nice person who was caring, hardworker & tireless doctor. He's an excellent physician and a big loss to the medical community. Our sincere condolences to your family & prayers for him.
The Richter family
November 29, 2016
God bless you Dr Gander. Fly with wings as eagles.
Dean Jennifer and Ashley Richter
November 29, 2016
To the family of Dr Gander,
Our deepest condolences to all of you on the sad news of Dr Ganders passing. He was our dr several years ago and we all liked him very much. Very kind and gentle man and we will never forget him.
May our Lord Jesus Christ give you such strength and comfort at this very difficult time.God bless you all.
November 29, 2016
Dr.Gander was most enjoyable as my doctor and took care in reviewing my peronal health.He also saved my niece Lisa's life with CPR.Fly with the Angel's buddy.You deserve it.Gregg Holcomb
Rufus Cadigan
November 29, 2016
Dr. Gander was my doctor for the about the last five years. I will very much miss him; he was always wonderful to me. He listened so carefully when I talked to him. I want to share with his family and friends what he did for me specifically, several years ago. I once told him that I was having bouts of physical pain every few weeks or so and then they went away after several hours. No other doctor had given me any idea why I suffered from these moments. Dr. Gander asked me several questions about some circumstances I had gone through recently. Then he told me that he's pretty sure that I had been suffering from some panic attacks. That made sense to me. Thereafter hearing that I relaxed a little and then a lot more. The wonderful thing was that I never had another "bout" of the pain again. It went away completely. I will always be grateful to Dr. Gander. Thank you Sir!
--Rufus Cadigan
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Memorial Gathering
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory LTD - Mulford Chapel1860 South Mulford Rd, Rockford, IL 61108
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