Jean Gander Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Jean Gander of Waukon, Iowa, who passed away on April 29, 2025 at the age of 94. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

She was predeceased by: her parents, Thomas O'Malley and Florence O'Malley (Fahey); her parents-in-law, Frank and Kathyrn Gander; her husbands, Earl Joseph Gander of Lansing, IA. and Gilbert Kurth; her granddaughter Donelle Cunningham; and her siblings, Helen Byrnes, Bonnie Dougherty and Leo O'Malley.

She is survived by: her children, Stephen Gander (Peggy) of Rockwall, TX, Thomas Gander (Bernadine) of Ossian, IA, Pamela Shawver (Gary) of Wadena, IA, Bonnie Cunningham (Don) of Waukon, IA, Theresa Magner (Jeff) of Omaha, NE, Karen Mashek (Steve) of New Hampton, IA and Eugene Gander (Joey) of Bloomingdale, IL; her grandchildren, Sarah Baker (Mike) of Nixa, MO, Gary Gander (Marsha) of Fairfax, IA, Jill Kleinow (Clint) of Overland Park, KS, Jessica Gander of Ossian, IA, Wade Anderson of Chicago, IL, Tara Anderson of Waterloo, IA, Shawn Cunningham (Jordan) of Waukon, IA, LeAnne Jones (Dan) of Waterville, IA, Tess Kuenstling (Max) of Bellevue, NE, Haley Thompson (Brian) of St. Charles, IL and Shane Gander of Colorado Springs, CO; and her son Steve. She is also survived by 18 great grandchildren.

After Gilbert's passing, Jean was warmly welcomed into Pam and Gary Shawver's home during the Covid era, prior to her moving into Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, IA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Patrick School in Jean's memory.