Dr. Kevin J. Gander, Md

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. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com