Jon Van Gelder, 68, of Calimesa, CA, passed away Thursday April 9, 2009, of ALS, with his daughters at his side. 

Jon was born November 12, 1940, to Edward McCray Gilbert and Evelyn Beatrice Shull in Hawthorne, California. He graduated high school in Fullerton in 1959, then attended Fullerton Junior College and West Coast University in Los Angeles. 

He worked most of his career as an electronics engineer. H e was a lifelong student with a curious and inventive mind, and he enjoyed building his own radios and telescopes. Jon loved science, astronomy, cooking, the outdoors and traveling the National Parks. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a loving spirit. He was a faithful member of the Mormon Church for many years. 

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Jon is survived by his mother, Evelyn van Gelder of Placentia, California; sister, Eileen Lacey of Baytown Texas; three daughters - Leslie van Gelder and Tamara Cook of Fort Worth, Texas and Jonnelle Whitney of Pasco, Washington; and seven grandchildren. Jon was preceded in death by his father, stepfather, and brother, Steven (’65).

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 15th at Weaver Hughes Mortuary, Yucaipa, CA, from 4-8 P.M. Funeral Services will be Thursday, April 16th 11 A.M. at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 306 E Ave. L, Calimesa, CA. The family asks that in lieu of flowers a contribution be made in Jon van Gelder's name to the ALS Association.

Published in San Bernardino Sun on Apr. 14, 2009.

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