Joseph Charles “Joe” Gander, age 84 of Batesville, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Morning Breeze in Greensburg, Indiana. Born May 23, 1941, in Batesville, he is the son of Charles and Clara (nee: Dramann) Gander. He married Rosemary Amberger on October 25, 1969, at St. Mary’s of the Rock Catholic Church.
Joe served in the Army Reserves and was a truck driver for Delta Faucet for over 35 years, before retiring. He was a long-time member of St. Louis Catholic Church and helped with bingo events. Joe was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1461 and donated his time frying chicken with friends. He and Rosemary spent much of their time on their “mini-farm” gardening and growing strawberries. Joe loved the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Michigan basketball. He would always be ready for a competitive game of bowling where he would enjoy time with family and friends on the lanes. Lastly, he enjoyed cars and always made sure that his was kept clean and he would jokingly tease friends that their car was “dirty” and needed to be washed.
He is survived by his wife Rosemary of Batesville; son Bill (Cortne) Gander of Indianapolis, Indiana; sisters Helen Gardner of Greensburg and Mary Jane (Gary) Kuntz of Batesville, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his infant daughter Carrie Ann Gander and brother-in-law Larry Gardner.
Visitation is Monday, November 17th, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville, with a rosary service at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville, with Fr. Jack Wright officiating. The burial will be in the church cemetery, with military graveside rites being conducted by the Ripley County VFW Post #3183 and by the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Louis School, Oldenburg Academy, or the Knights of Columbus. For online condolences, please go to www.weigelfh.com.