Lisa VanGorder

June 26, 1961 ~ May 4, 2020

VANGORDER - Lisa Ann VanGorder, age 58, passed away Tuesday May 5, 2020, with her husband and son sitting at her sides. She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace Ruprecht; her mother-in-law, Janet VanGorder; and her father-in-law, Donald VanGorder. Lisa is survived by her husband of 24 years, David VanGorder; her son, Bradley VanGorder; her mother, Patricia Ruprecht; her brother, Mark (Tina) Ruprecht, her sisters-in-law, Ginny (Ken) Brooks, Liz Morgan; her brother-in-law, Allen (Karen) VanGorder; and her nieces and nephews. A graduate of the University of Detroit dental hygiene program, Lisa worked for more than 20 years as a dental hygienist in Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Lansing. She retired from dental hygiene in 1998, following the birth of her son, to focus her time and attention on her family. In subsequent years, Lisa worked with her husband, David, at their family business, Doyle Vacuum Systems, as well as at the Rockford Footwear Depot, and finally, at Rockford Floor Covering. Lisa retired from all work in August of 2019, after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Lisa was an avid gardener and took great pride in the landscape of her home. She loved to be outdoors, digging in the dirt, planting, weeding, and trimming all the flowers, plants, and shrubs that she enjoyed so much. Lisa was a people person and a great friend… she loved other people, and other people loved Lisa. Everywhere she went, and everyone she ever met, she left a lasting impression on those who came to know and love her. Lisa sincerely cared about other people - right up to her last breath - and she will be missed by many. Above all other things, Lisa was an amazing wife and mother. She met her husband, David, in March of 1995. They were engaged in May of 1995 and married in October of that same year. This was a “love at first sight” relationship, and that love only grew stronger over the years. Despite suffering several miscarriages, in May of 1998, Lisa was blessed to give birth to her only child, Bradley, who she always said was her “little miracle from God”. While Lisa had a large capacity for love for many people, her husband and son were the greatest beneficiaries of her affection. No man could have asked for a better wife and friend, and no child could have asked for a more loving mother - she will be forever missed and loved. At this time, no memorial service has been planned. However, the family does plan to have a celebration of Lisa’s life, at some point in the future (yet to be determined). To share a photo, memory and sign the family’s online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Lisa Ann VanGorder please visit our Sympathy Store.

Leave Your Tribute Message

June 17, 2020 8:00pm

Dave and Brad: My heart aches and all i can say is I am so sorry for ur great loss. Lisa was one heck of a woman and a mother and a friend. I will miss my dear friend. May God comfort u . Here is a verse from 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race and I have remained faithful.  Sincerely yours God Bless Doris kuklewski

- Doris Kuklewski

June 05, 2020 8:00pm

She was so awesome. One of the best people I have ever worked with or known . She loved Dave and Brad so much she bragged on those 2 it was Great.  She and Dave were going to retire and follow Brad I hope we all follow her now of just being good hearted and nice to everyone.  It was so nice to know you Lisa till we meet again Brian Tobey

- Brian Tobey

June 02, 2020 8:00pm

Lisa was the definition of a true friend to me. She was so inspiring and uplifting in every way possible. I had the privilege to spend some time with my beautiful friend in the last few days and hours of her life on this earth. Even then, when battling with pain, Lisa was only concerned for those she loved and how they were doing. To say Brad and Dave were her life is an understatement, they were her every breath. I learned so many, many things from Lisa and I will NEVER forget the friendship we shared through the years. I will miss her every day that passes but I know she is an angel in heaven now, free from cancers ugly grip. An angel with a big bright smile for all! I love you Lisa and look forward to renewing our friendship one day in a much better place!

- Danette Jerrils

June 01, 2020 8:00pm

Lisa was an absolute sweetheart. She made everyone she knew feel special. It was always fun to stop and chat with her while she was busily working in the yard. Even while suffering illness, Lisa was irresistibly positive and cheerful. She will be sorely missed. We were truly blessed to have known her. Our condolences and prayers go out to Dave and Brad for their loss.  Mike and Kathy Fyffe

- Mike Fyffe

May 31, 2020 8:00pm

I don’t even know where to start. Lisa was such a blessing in my life. To know her was to love her. She had such a positive attitude and never had a bad thing to say about anyone. No one was ever a stranger to Lisa. She always made everyone feel welcome. I miss her smiles and hugs, our talks, seeing her working in the garden, and her excitement when it was garage sale season. She had such a love for life and for Dave and Brad. Even though she was in pain, she stopped over on my birthday and brought me a gift. She was always so generous and thoughtful, and I will treasure the many gifts I received from her. She was truly an angel on earth and has left such a void for so many of us. I am thankful that she knew I loved her and was always praying for her. I am thankful she was a woman of faith. I am thankful she was my friend. I will miss her so much.

- Julie Jerrils

May 31, 2020 8:00pm

Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Lisa Ann VanGorder.

- Country Basket Blooms

May 28, 2020 8:00pm

Everyone that knows Lisa knows there is not one single word to fully encompass who she was. She was one of the most amazing woman I know and I am so blessed to be able to call her a close friend and someone I always looked up to. I have never met someone so positive and so full of life! She could talk to literally anyone for hours and make them feel so incredibly special. When I graduated hygiene school she gifted me with tons of presents from her days in hygiene and always had advice for me when I needed it most. When my husband and I talk about family - we always include Lisa, Dave and Brad because they mean the world to us. I am so grateful that Lisa got to meet my son last year and become his grandma Lisa; Her and Dave were always considered the “bonus grandparents” and I will cherish that forever. Although we wish we had more time To spend with her, she has made such an impact on my life. I hope she knew just how great of a friend she was and how much every moment with her meant to me and my family. We love you, Lisa and miss you so much ❤️

- Alyssa Dellar

May 27, 2020 8:00pm

I met Lisa in the late summer, early fall of 2018 I do believe. She lived a few houses down the road from me and was always outside tending to flowers or, at one point, all the fire wood from cutting down some dying trees in her yard. Her smile was just a light in the darkness. She had so much love. So much. She never once treated me like a stranger and just poured love onto me and my husband the second we said hi. We joined a bowling league with her and Dave and got to spend a bit more time getting to know them and meeting a few other friends along the way. They helped us when we lost power during the winter, and even spent some time with us to meet my visiting parents.  If I could go back, just a little bit in time, I would make sure that she knew…. just exactly how much she meant to me. How much she and Dave impacted my life in such a short time.  I love you Lisa. I never got to tell you that.

- Brittney Duncan




Order flowers for Lisa's service.

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Thinking of You Basket

Gerbera Greetings

Natures Glory

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Blooming Duo

Loving Embrace

Classic Sympathy

Stargazer Garden

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

Tender Touch

White Wonder

Bells of Beauty

Stargazer Easel Spray

Beautiful Memories

Remembrance Easel Spray

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Colorful Memories Wreath

 

Keola Stress Less Gummies

Relieve stress and anxiety with Keola Stress Less Gummies.

Keola Pain Relief Balm

Ease aches, and sooth sore joints with Keola Pain Relief Balm.