Jan A. Vangorder

JAN A. VAN GORDER

64, of Springfield, Ohio passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at home. He was born September 16, 1952 in Chardon, Ohio,the son of the late Herbert & Martha (Reiter) VanGorder and brother ofSharyn (Alan) Chesser. He was many things to many people in his lifetime, but always an enthusiast for a wry joke, a lighthearted approach, and an encouraging word. Among the abilities that graced his life with joy were golfing, scouting, fishing, and music. He was always planning the next golf scramble or trip to the Trent River in Canada, where many a fish story reigns as legend. Music enhanced his life in the form of piano, trumpet, and barbershop harmony with the Miami-Shelby Melody Men Chorus. His years of employment at Northwestern Local Schools and at the Clark County Educational Service Center allowed him to create an atmosphere whereby kids were encouraged to celebrate their successes, and to overcome the roadblocks that rose to try to define them as less than they were created to be. His favorite event of the year has long been the Jan Van Gorder Scholar Reception at Northwestern High School, where he proudly celebrated the student academic excellence that was his heart’s desire. His coworkers remember him as a man of wisdom and integrity, ready with comic relief or a quick secret gift in the tough times, and as someone whose practical jokes may arise at any moment to color the "normal" days with a smile. Jan’s life was defined by his Christian faith, lived out in principle and in action. He studied and served at Asbury United Methodist Church in North Hampton, Ohio during his vital years, and found great joy among his friends at Southgate Baptist Church after the auto accident that confined him to a wheelchair for the past 22 years. His family has grown strong and faithful as a result of his love, his unflagging determination to overcome, his high expectations for himself and others, and his gracious example of one who believes in God’s purpose and calling, no matter the circumstances. Jan and wife, Pat, just celebrated 40 years of marriage, defined by the love of Jesus Christ and the strength that only faith can provide. His investment in the lives of others has been returned in decades of willing helping hearts surrounding the couple with the blessing of unwavering friendship. Their children,Bethany (Greg) Morris, Josh VanGorder, and Rachel (David) Jensen have been a source of great pride as they pursued careers in education that have used their God-given gifts and enhanced the lives of the learners they touch. Their eight grandchildren, Michael, Madelyn & Anna Morris, Joel & Carson VanGorder, and Isaac, Abrielle & Isabelle Jensen hold the promise of a legacy that continues to reach beyond and carry forth the strong principles and faith of their grandfather. Please plan to join us for a celebration of Jan’s life at a later date. In Jan’s honor, donations may be sent to the Jan Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship Fund at The Huntington National Bank, 2961 Derr Rd, Springfield OH, 45503. Arrangements by the TROSTEL, CHAPMAN, DUNBAR & FRALEY FUNERAL HOME, New Carlisle, Ohio. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.trostelchapman.com Please join those who knew and loved Jan Van Gorder in a celebration of Jan’s life on Saturday afternoon, August 19, 2017 at Southgate Baptist Church at 2111 S. Center Blvd. Springfield, OH 45506. A casual reception and conversation time will start at 2:00 in Southgate’s Fellowship Hall. A more formal service of remembrance will follow in the sanctuary at 3:00. A golf outing is being planned for Saturday, September 16, 2017 to benefit the Jan Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship Fund. If interested in participating, contact David Jensen at [email protected] or 937-717-4523. Space is limited.