Ronald Dale Gander

Ronald Dale Gander, aged 88, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

He was born on July 3, 1937, the son of Fay and Ruth (Hall) Gander in Crawford County. Ronald graduated from Readstown High School in 1955. After exploring new experiences and various jobs in central Wisconsin, he accepted a position at Richland Industries, then located in Richland Center, WI. He was a dedicated employee, arriving early and working late to provide for his family. He proudly advanced to the position of foreman, retiring in 1999 after 42 years.

After a life of long hours and hard work, Ronald retired to Safford, Arizona. He enjoyed much warmer winters, driving his dune buggy into the Mount Graham wilderness area, hiking along the Gila River, and collecting Apache Tears rocks. He returned to Wisconsin in 2007 but never lost his taste for travel. He considered himself lucky to have seen much of this country “from Florida to California.”

Ronald was a diehard sports fan. He rarely missed game days for the Green Bay Packers or the Milwaukee Brewers; and remained an enthusiastic fan in both winning and losing seasons. His other notable passion was food! He was a lover of good food, and he thought most food was good. He was an adventurous eater, but his favorite meals were made at home and shared with family. At some point in nearly every meal, he would proclaim with gusto, “A Gander never goes hungry!” He’ll be remembered for his good sense of humor and quick wit.

Ronald is survived by his children, Mark Gander (Kathy), Vicki Stevens, Robert Gander (Melodie), and Lori Gander (partner Kevin); eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters Phyllis Spangler and Avis Peterson; and his brothers-in-law Roy and Richard Rosemeyer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Fay (Junior) and Lorus; his beloved sister Shirley Eng and her husband Marvin; brothers-in-law Rodney Spangler and Herb Peterson; son-in-law Al White; and his former wife and mother of his children, Sonja Lee Rosemeyer.

At Ronald’s request, there will be no funeral.

Ronald’s family would like to thank Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center and Benedictine Manor of La Crosse for the care and support he received from them. Additionally, we would like to thank everyone at Pizza Ranch for the unending buffets, which made our dad very happy. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.