Gordon A. Vaundry September 26, 1923 – May 11, 2019 Share this obituary View/Sign Guest Book Gordon Albert Vaundry of Thornton, IL, born in Lacrosse, WI on September 26, 1923, passed into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the age of 95. There to welcome him to his heavenly home were his wife Rita, daughter Deborah Vaundry-Kruithof , son-in-law Norman Kruithof, sister Helen Terrill-Mose and his parents Georgia Carty and Adolph Vaundry. Gordon will be greatly missed by his children David (Tammy Prutsman) Vaundry, Diane (Tony) Ferracane, Douglas (Kimber) Vaundry, Dean (Marni) Vaundry and Denise (John) Maurer; grandchildren Brian, Erik, Dean, Jessica, Molly, Kaleigh, Max, Tyler, Tanner, Joshua and Jordan; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous extended family members; loyal friend Daniel Halkin; caretaker Carol James and cherished companion of the late Marcella Banach.
Gordon (aka Dad, Pops, PaPa, Big PaPa, Uncle Sonny) attended Kenwood Grade School in Chicago and Hyde Park High School. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in the Philippines as a Pharmacist 1st Class during World War II from February 1942 until his discharge on December 31, 1945. That evening, at a party in honor of his homecoming, he met his soon-to-be wife, Rita Mae McEntee and they were married on July 13, 1946 in Chicago.
He attended the University of Illinois and received a BS in Physical Education in 1948. Gordon then attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated in 1950 with a certificate of Physical Therapy. His first job was a one year stint at the Illinois Research Hospital as a Physical Therapist.
In 1951 he began his second and final job at the Southside Physical Medicine Center as Chief of Physical Therapy under the direction of Dr. Arthur Rodriquez. Gordon retired in 2000. Gordon continued to treat patients at his home with the help of Dan Halkin (physical therapist) up until he passed.
Gordon was a lifetime member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Gordon and Rita had a home built in Thornton in 1956 and he lived there the remainder of his life. Gordon was a Sunday School teacher, board member, choir member and faithful supporter of the Lighthouse Community Church of the Nazarene (formerly known as the Lansing First Church of the Nazarene) in Lansing, IL.
Gordon’s favorite hymn was, “When We All Get to Heaven” and he placed his faith in the promise of what the song states, “When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory! ” We know that he is singing with the choir of angels and celebrating eternal life with his precious Lord Jesus. Gordon’s family would like to thank the staff of the ICU and Hospice units at Ingalls Hospital for taking such good care of him in his final days and to Dr. Cressa Perish for her wisdom and guidance.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service on Sunday, May 26 at CD&ME, 23320 S. LaGrange Rd. , Frankfort, IL. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon.
The Celebration of Life service will begin at 12:00 Noon followed by a luncheon. Donations may be made in Gordon’s memory to Honor Flight Chicago online at honorflightchicago.org or by mail at 9701 W. Higgins Rd. , Suite 310, Rosemont, IL 60018-4703.
Funeral arrangements are being entrusted to Tews – Ryan Funeral Home, Homewood, IL. For further information contact tews-ryanfh.com or 708-798-5300.
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