Gene Ralph Gamber

Gene Ralph Gamber, 79, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. He was born on July 11, 1945, in Davenport, Iowa, to Hugh “Sonny” and Ruth “Bootsie” Gamber. On July 20, 1991, Gene married Cindy Eastman at St.John’s United Church of Christ in Elkhart.

Gene graduated from Davenport Central High School, where he was an active member of the basketball, baseball, and golf teams. He went on to earn a degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, where he was a proud member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Gene honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Surprisingly, the only time he encountered gunfire was during college, when he was robbed while working the night shift at the front desk of a Holiday Inn. In 1979, Gene relocated to Elkhart, where he became a partner at McGladrey, Hendrickson & Pullen. He later worked in finance and management roles within the local RV industry. Gene hada passion for fishing, golfing, and expressing his creativity through art, which he showcased at Chartreuse Art Gallery in St. Joseph, Michigan. Gene and his wife, Cindy, were dedicated CASA and CARES program volunteers and cherished their time traveling together. Above all, Gene treasured the moments spent with his family.

Gene is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cindy Gamber of Elkhart; his children, Sarah (Brian) Smith of Carmel, Indiana, and Seth Gamber of Elkhart; and his beloved grandchildren, Emily and Connor Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Jerry Gamber.

A celebration of Gene’s life will take place on Thursday, December 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, located at 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, Indiana, 46514. Online condolences may be made to his family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com In lieu of flowers, donations in Gene’s memory can be made to Transformation Ministries, 1101 King Street, South Bend, IN 46616 www.transformation58.com