Obituary: Vickie Kehl-Ganz

Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​

Vickie Kehl-Gans, age 75, a resident of Morris, Illinois, for the past 16 years, passed away on August 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

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Vickie was born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, to Robert and Mary Kehl. She previously resided in the Quad Cities area and Joliet, Illinois. A lifelong learner, she graduated from Bloom Township High School in 1969 and went on to earn an Associate Degree from Prairie State College and a Bachelor's Degree from Western Illinois University.

Following her education, Vickie began her career as a counselor with Youth Services in Geneseo, IL. She later served the City of Rock Island as a Safety Officer and Personnel Director before accepting the position of Risk Management Director for the City of Joliet, where she worked from 1985 until her retirement in 2010. Throughout her distinguished career in public service, Vickie was respected for her professionalism, leadership, and commitment to her community. She also served as Past Vice President of the Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA) and Past President of the Joliet Business Women's Association.

Vickie embraced life with curiosity and joy. She was an avid reader who found peace in the outdoors and took great pride in her garden. She appreciated the beauty of nature and loved spending time in her kitchen preparing meals for those she loved. A true animal lover, Vickie shared her heart and home with many beloved cats throughout her life. Her kindness, intelligence, and generous spirit touched the lives of many.

Vickie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Kehl.

She is survived by the love of her life and devoted partner of nearly 40 years, Lawrence Gans; her sisters, Barbara Aigner (Thomas) and Karen Rose (Barry); her brother, Robert Kehl (Cindy); her niece, Elizabeth Valentino (Jerry); her nephew, Thomas Aigner; her niece, Justine Kehl; her grand-niece, Abigail Valentino and the beloved daughters of her heart, Lora Gans and Julie Reid (Jeff).

Vickie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love, service, and compassion will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

A Memorial Visitation for Vickie will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until a memorial service begins at 6:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive in Morris, IL. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery in Morris, IL.

For information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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