Jonathan “Jon” Gamber, 62
Jonathan “Jon” Gamber, 62 of Mitchell, died Friday, Oct. 8, 2026 at UNMC Hospital in Omaha, Neb. Memorial visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Memorial services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, also at Will Funeral Chapel. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Serviceman’s Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell. A link to view the service and an online guestbook will be available at www.willfuneralchapel.com
Jonathan “Jon” Edward Gamber was born in Minneapolis, Minn., to Harold and Betty (Hendrickson) Gamber on Dec. 15, 1963. He was raised in Sioux City, Iowa, Artesian, S.D., and was a 1982 graduate of Mitchell High School.
In 1987, Jon married Kimberly Van Overschelde and share two sons, Dillon in 1991 and Dakota in 1992. Jon and Kimberly raised their family in Mitchell, then Brandon where Jon worked at Risen Savior Catholic Church and Sioux Vocational Services. In 2007, they returned to Mitchell, where Jon worked in property maintenance at Meadowlawn. Most recently, Jon was a driver for Palace Transit from which he retired in early 2026.
Jon wore many hats throughout his life providing for his family. He was an Air Force Veteran and received Firefighter of the Year for the squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base. He was one of the first Zamboni operators at the Mitchell Ice Arena, a volunteer firefighter in Mitchell, and worked in property maintenance at Dakota Wesleyan University. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, and was a great cook. Jon loved to make people laugh and to make people feel welcomed and cared for. Whether through a quick joke, an infectious laugh, or a kind word, Jon was a joy to be around and a friend to everyone. He was considered a gentle giant by most who knew him. He enjoyed his many nieces and nephews and was happy to be Grandpa to Everett and Elaine.
Jon is survived by his two sons, Dillon Gamber, Fort Collins, Colo., and Dakota (Cassie) Gamber, Watertown; two grandchildren, Everett and Elaine Gamber, Watertown; his mother, Betty Gamber, Mitchell; brother, Jeff Gamber (Annette); his girlfriend, Pamela Stephens, Sioux City, Iowa; his ex-wife, Kimberly Van Overschelde-Gamber, Mitchell; two brothers-in-law, Kevin (Kim) Van Overschelde and Kent (Kelsey) Van Overschelde, all of Mitchell; two sisters-in-law, Karen Van Overschelde and Kaydee (Maverick) Harrington, all of Mitchell.
Jon is preceded in death by his father, Harold Gamber, brother, Jasen Gamber, and Donna and Leo Van Overschelde, and K-9 companions Riley, Deacon, and Murphy.
