Delbert Eugene Gander

Delbert “Del” Eugene Gander, 79, of Newton died on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.  A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday, January 13, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.  Memorials to the Jasper County Animal Rescue League or the American Cancer Society may be left at the funeral home.

Del, the son of Carroll and Helen (Volkmer) Gander, was born on January 31, 1938 in Yale, Iowa.  He grew up in the Panora area and graduated from Panora High School in 1955.  After high school, Del attended Iowa State University for two years prior to serving his country in the U.S. Army.  Upon his return, Del began his 30-year career as a welder at John Deere in Ankeny.  On September 12, 1965, Del was united in marriage with Carolyn Mundell in Altoona.  They made their home in Ankeny until the early 1970’s when they moved to rural Newton.  Del enjoyed farming, hunting, and especially fishing.

Del is survived by his children, Steve Gander of Polk City and Carla Gander of Newton; grandchildren, Brittany Gander and Jami Gander, both of Newton; his sisters, Dee Martinson of Altoona and Bev Pritchard of Ankeny; and his nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn Gander in 1994; son, Richard “Rich” Gander in 2014; his brother, Dean Gander; and a sister, Betty Tingwald.

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