James W. Gander

Gander, James W.
Appleton

Loving husband, father and grandfather, James W. Gander died unexpectedly at his home on August 29, 2003. Jim was born on March 15, 1925 to the late Walter and Rose (Johns) Gander in Eagle River, Wisconsin. He proudly served our country in World War II with the 95th Infantry Division, known as the “Iron Men of Metz” for liberating Metz, France from German occupation. Jim married the former Margaret M. Schlarp and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage.

A resident of Appleton, Wisconsin for over 45 years, Jim retired in 1990 from Kimberly-Clark Corporation where he was a research and development scientist. He was an active member of the American Society for Quality Control, conducting courses in statistical analysis for that organization.
Jim was also a member of Faith Lutheran Church.
A lifelong lover of music, Jim played violin with the Lawrence Symphony, the Fox Valley Symphony and various other string ensembles. He was actively involved with the 95th Infantry Division’s reunions held across the United States, and he found great pleasure keeping in contact with his boyhood friends from Eagle River. Jim indulged his love of the outdoors by fishing, hunting and boating, and by sharing happy times with his family at their cottage on Watersmeet Lake in Eagle River. He will be remembered as an avid reader who loved to incite lively conversations about current events.

Survivors include his wife Margaret and their children Joan (Steve Cooper) Gander of Atlanta; Walt (April) Gander of Eagle River; Emily (David) Hewitt of Chicago; and Dorothy (David) Bear of Ft. Myers, Florida. Grandchildren include Braden Meyer and Barrett Meyer, Atlanta; and Spencer James Gander, Eagle River. Other survivors include his brother Robert (Hilda) Gander of Whitehouse, New Jersey; sister Carol (Kenneth) Larsen, Los Angeles; and other beloved nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 1, 2003, from 4:00 Р7:00 pm at the funeral home and on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 am, until the time of the service. A memorial service will be held at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 601 East Glendale Avenue, Appleton at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 2, 2003, with Pastor Paul Brinkman officiating and Jim’s son-in-law Pastor Steve Cooper assisting.

Donations in his name may be made to the Faith Lutheran Church music program or to the WXPR Public Radio Endowment Fund in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com