In Memoriam: Richard Gans

    Richard H. Gans was born in Well, Minnesota on July 5, 1929 to Elmer and Stella Gans. Dick was the younger brother to June who preceded him in death this past year as did his infant son, Donny. After graduating from Lane Tech High School in 1947, Dick attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, completing both his undergraduate and graduate studies in Business. While at Illinois, he received a commission to train as an Officer in the United States Army. While stationed at Fort Campbell, Dick met his wife of 60 years, and a graduate of Vanderbilt, Mary Stiles Gans, on a blind date. Dick was an avid cyclist and in his later years held the same passion for his scooter. Dick also loved Elk Grove football and was both a youth coach and announcer for the Elk Grove High School Grenadiers on Channel 6. Dick’s interests included history, classical music, dancing, softball, fishing, and most importantly friends and family.
    He is survived by his wife Mary, of Elk Grove Village, IL; three daughters, Sue (Paul) Mayernick of Elk Grove Village, Carol (Bob) Williamson of Pickerington, Ohio, and Patty (Mike) Fries of Elk Grove Village, and son, Kenneth (Cathy) Gans of Elk Grove Village. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren (Carl, Allison, Scott, and Rebecca Mayernick, Jacqueline, Zachary, and Abigail Williamson, Amy and Maggie Fries, and Ella and Taylor Gans) and one great-grandson, Cole Mayernick, each of whom was the love of his life.
    A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at St. Nicholas Church in Elk Grove Village on Thursday, June 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A Mass in his name will be held Friday, June 5, beginning at 8:00 a.m., also at St. Nicholas Church. Interment will be at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Joliet, IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation or the charity of your choice.