OREGON – Leonard D. Gowers III (Len) of Oregon, Illinois died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, June 9. Born Jan. 7th, 1945 in Chicago, he was raised by Grace Mary (Suber) Stern and Chuck Suber and later by Hubert Stern in Lake Forest and Highland Park, Illinois.
He was the oldest of 10 siblings: Tom, Pete, Jack, Ann, Katie, Cara, Gwen, Hubby and Bobby. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1963. He worked for Aon and Combined Insurance until he founded two successful businesses of his own, first, Sterling Professional Group, and second, Business Benefits Incorporated. He was a proud member of the Masons, the Shriners and the Jesters. He was first married in 1973 to Geraldine Schroder, next, to Julie Dale in 1976 and finally to Sue Gowers in 2002.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Jen) Gowers (Kobi Skolnick), his stepdaughter, Amber Jordan (Brian Jordan), and his stepson, TJ Miatke, as well as his four grandchildren, Gloria Bianca (Glory Be) Skolnick Gowers, Sebastian Alexander Jordan, Brayden Liam Jordan and McKenzie Leigh Miatke. He has one deceased granddaughter, Savannah Leigh Miatke.
His passions in life were cheating at cribbage and being abundantly generous. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation was 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 14 in Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon. Private family services will be held with Masonic Rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Len's name may be made to The Tebala Shrine of Rockford.
