"John and I unfortunately had lost touch over the years and I just found out that he passed away last Sept. This news saddens me and I only wish we could have stayed in closer contact. I will always remember great conversations with John while we sat for hours drinking coffee late into the night in some Mankato restaurant. I won't forget his great sense of humor, his infectious laugh and his friendship. My sincere condolences to John's family. "
In loving memory of
John Mark Gamble
October 25, 1951 - September 17, 2009
John M. Gamble age 57, died Thursday Sep 17 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. Private family services will be held at a later date.
John was born October 25, 1951 in Spirit Lake, Iowa the son of Russell and Helen (Fishburn) Gamble.
He attended Arnolds Park High School and Humboldt High School. He then received his BA/BS in chemistry and biology from Mankato University in Minnesota, he then received his master in zoology in 1983 from Iowa State University, his MBA from the University of Iowa in 1990, and his master in teaching from Iowa State University in 2006.
John enjoyed many things Target Shooting at Izaak Walton League in Ames, Bicycling, Running, and Motorcycling, watching his daughter at Dressage events and his son playing Hockey and their pursuit of education.
John is survived by his mother Helen Gamble, daughter Erin Lehman-Gamble son Jesse Lehman-Gamble all of Ames. Sister Joann (Craig) Randall of Des Moines, brother, Gregory Gamble of Spirit Lake, nieces and nephews Tyler Randall, Nikki (Klas) Wiberg, Ashley (Justin) Nevins, James (Mary) Gamble, and John Gamble great nieces Aoife Nevins and Marlowe Gamble and an expected nephew soon.
He was preceded in death by his father Russell and one brother Alan Gamble.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Izaak Walton League Ames, Iowa
Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Grandon Funeral and Cremation care is assisting the family.
Tributes
"John, I remember well the times in grade school at Arnolds Park and most importantly all the good times we shared growing up near each other on the farm. I had to give you a May Basket on the 1st of May however you would not let me kiss you. "
"Our brother John will be missed by all of our family. His calls and visits were special. Joann and family "
"Thank you, John, for being there for us. We miss you."
"Dear Brother...thanks for all you did over the years for our family. I never thanked you enough. I miss you and our conversations very much. Greg"
"To the family of John Gamble...his friends at Redekers Furniture will miss him. John was my deskmate for several years and his stories kept us laughing even long after he moved on. We are sorry for your loss."
"Our prayers go out to Johns family and friends at this truly difficult time."
"Sorry to hear of John's passing. John and I were best of friends in grade school, we lost touch with each other thru the years. I even remember spending a few nites over at the farm on East lake. It was great to see the video on this site, I noticed John never lost his smile that was always present from the first time we met back in Arnolds Park School. I'm sure that smile will be missed by everyone that knew John. Class of 1969 Arnolds Park"
"John will be greatly missed. I knew John from Homemakers furniture is Urbandale. What I like most is addictive laugh and his funny stories. I only wished that we had kept in touch after he left Homemakers! Sincerely Stephen J. Mosqueda"
"John will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. The twinkle in his eyes and his teasing smile are what I recall most of him. And yes, John, there is an Adaza. Love to all of his family Kay "
"Family of John, I was saddened to read of John's passing. I wish I would have met someone who enjoyed the Izaak Walton park so much that shooting there was one of his enjoyments. I am pleased that the family asked that memorials be sent to the Ames Izaak Walton Chapter. Thank you very much for that memorial wish. Palmer Holden, Ames Ikes President"