Obituary of Gordon Ovans

On Friday, June 3, 2022, Gordon Ovans passed away at the age of 75 peacefully in his sleep.  He was a loving husband and partner, a father to two, and a grandfather to four. 

Born in the autumn of 1946 to proud parents, Rodrick & Essie Ovans, he was the eldest of three; siblings Mary Jane (Merj) and Richard (Rich).  

Gordon’s curiosity to learn sparked early and carried throughout his life.  He graduated Appleton West high school in 1966 and went on to study Education and Mathematics.   Gordon received an Industrial Arts degree in 1970 from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and was active in numerous campus activities including Project Friendship, South Area Council, Undergrad Fellows, and Epsilon Pi Tau.  Upon graduating, he completed his student teaching in Algonac, Michigan. 

After returning to Wisconsin, Gordon purchased a property in Redgranite where he would meet Carolyn. The two would marry in 1978 and raise two children, Leticia & Lucas, together over their 39 years of marriage.  Little did they realize the incredible challenges they would face as a couple and as a young family. In 1990, Gordon was diagnosed with kidney failure, resulting from an illness experienced in high school, and required a transplant. After two years on dialysis and a ground swell of community support, Gordon received his “Gift of Life” that  re-energized his passion and sustained his crusade to promote organ donation.

Gordon’s curiosity was evident in his wide-range of books, magazines, and family lineage materials. He loved exploring local museums, landmarks, and heritage sites. This equipped him with a wealth of topics to connect with anyone; making memorable and deeply generous impressions on those he encountered through his intriguing questions.

This past fall, Gordon moved closer to family in Minnesota. He quickly built a vast social community at Village Shores and met LuAnn Hegberg. Together Gordon and LuAnn often attended lectures, social activities, and took advantage of the local dining scene.

Regardless of where or how paths crossed, Gordon’s tenacious curiosity built connections that were memorable and that evangelized organ donation.

Memorial Services to celebrate Gordon’s life will be held in Wisconsin & Minnesota.

As things are finalized the following will be updated. 

• Wisconsin Services: Noon, July 9th, Peace Lutheran Church, 293 S Main St, Amherst, WI 54406  

• Minnesota Services: 11:30 am, September 17th, CPC Church, 6901 Normandale Road, Minneapolis, MN 55435

If you are so led to give in remembrance there’s a few ways to do so:  

• Financial contributions can be sent to a special memorial fund established in Gordon’s name at the UW Foundation, Nephrology Fund for Excellence. Our family will be matching dollar for dollar any donations up to $5,000. 

  • Follow this link to donate: supportuw.org/giveto/kidney 

  • Checks can be mailed directly to US Bank Lockbox 78807 Milwaukee, WI 53278.  

• For those of you interested in paying forward the gift of life you are encouraged to register as an organ donor with DonateLife.  Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and can also accept donations. 

• Donations can also be made to American Society of Transplantation to support Advocacy, Education and Research around effective organ transplants.

  • Follow this link to donate: access.myast.org/donate