Born: October 20, 1972 - Deceased: September 12, 2020
Colin Matthew Gegel, 47, of Belleville, IL. was born October 20, 1972. He passed away Saturday, September 12, 2020 at his home surrounded by family and friends.
Colin was a 1990 graduate of Belleville Township High School West. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1996 earning his Bachelor of Science from the University of Missouri School of Nursing in Columbia, MO. Additionally, Colin earned a Master of Science at the University of Missouri at Kansas City Truman Medical Center School of Anesthesia in 2001. He practiced as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Aurora Bay Care Center in Green Bay, WI. His career as a CRNA was a point of pride, sadly, he was forced to take early retirement due to the Multiple Sclerosis.
Colin is described by his best friend Anne Connelly as “one of the most kind and generous men who will never be forgotten”. Chris Eames – “Colin was a good man that I was blessed to have the privilege of knowing”.
Brian Caffe – “Colin has a brilliant mind and was a great friend”.
Kelley Gelnar remembers Colin’s positive attitude, how he was always encouraging others and that everyone he met instantly became a friend. Colin was a kind soul, and everyone loved him”.
Scotty Irvin – We would play trivia, collect old coins, and we never missed a great meal when I would come to visit. Colin was a man that took part in saving many lives during his life, and hopefully in death will continue to help others with MS live better lives through his donation to research”.
Mike Lawson shared, “He was my best buddy and true best friend who I loved as much as anybody in the world”.
Jeff Akerson fondly recalls Nursing School adventures, hanging out with Colin at their house in Columbia, our trip to Europe, ski trips, Caribbean trip…so many good times made even better because Colin was Colin”.
Colin enjoyed spending time with family, and especially adored his nieces Chloe, Gabriella and nephew Ian. He treasured his many friends, loved to socialize and cook with them. As a younger man, he enjoyed outdoor activities, played sand volleyball, golf, skiing, and traveling the world. Lastly, he loved the Green Bay Packers and his faithful kitty, Lilly.
Colin is survived by his:
- Parents: Barbara & Brian Gegel, Belleville, IL
- Sister: Nikki Gegel ( Eric) Brauer
- their daughter Chloe of Normal, IL
- Brother: Brian (Cynthia Blanco) Gegel
- their children Gabriella & Ian of San Antonio, TX
- Aunts, uncles, cousins, & friends
- Dear friends: Sharon & Frank Vollmer, Belleville, IL
- Green Bay Family
- Ann Connelly
- Wilson family
Special Thanks: The Family would like to thank Vitas Hospice for taking such great care of Colin. Special thanks to nurses Josh, Chuck, and Stephanie, and his Case Manager Chris. The family also sends much love and gratitude to Jen and Bonnie.
Colin was passionate about understanding MS and supporting others with the diagnosis. For years, Colin discussed sharing his body to further Multiple Sclerosis research upon his death. Colin’s wish was granted through the Rocky Mountain MS Center in Denver Colorado.
Memorials: The Family has requested that memorials be made in Colin’s name to the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center www.mscenter.org/ <Give> or Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center 8845 Wagner Street Westminster, CO 80031 (Make a note on the check when making donations in Colin’s memory.)
Memorials: Memorials may also be made in Colin’s name to the National MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org/ <Donate> or Vitas Hospice at www.vitascommunityconnection.org <Donate>
A celebration of Colin’s life will be scheduled at a future date.
12 Comments
I’m so sorry to hear about Colin. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sad to hear of Colin’s passing. He was a very special man and we were close when I lived in Green Bay. We haven’t seen each other in years but we stayed in contact through Facebook up until about 2yrs ago. So it was quite a shock to hear that he is gone. He will be greatly missed by me and many others. Rest In Peace Colin.
When i first met Colin was during my c-section & found my new friend. I worked with him in surgical services , socialized after work, played golf & drank his home made wine on my deck. Lots of laugh with few downtimes but Colin always maintained as a positive person, smile on his face. Was not going to let MS get the best of him. He was a blessing in my life while he lived in Green Bay. I missed him when he moved back home to his family. RIP my friend.
Colin…the battle of MS may have taken you out, but you my friend have won the fight. It was a blessing working with you and most of all becoming your friend. Your laugh and positive attitude was so contagious. I loved working with at ABMC! May you Rest In Peace! Good bye for now my friend! ❤️❤️
My condolences to the entire family. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Gegel Family,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Colin’s passing. May God hold him and keep him. Please accept my sympathy.
My thoughts are and have been with the family as they said good-by to their loved son/brother/nephew/cousin.
Just want to offer my sympathy on the loss of your son. Sounds like a wonderful man who helped a lot of people with the choices he made in life. It has to be so hard to lose a child so young yet. My mother always said “the hardest thing she ever had to do was bury a child,and she had to bury several of them. She lived to be 88. Don’t know if you remember me or not but I was Peggy Wilderman, just a few houses away Dr. Sidney Trappee.
Dear Barbara & Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your son. Thoughts and prayers . Though we haven’t seen one another for many years, I still try to acknowledge childhood friends from NA. Your son was truly a good man and helped many in his short life. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Barb you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers Vonda and Colin are definitely laughing together and will be waiting until you are reunited again much love ???
I always knew these were special times when we worked and played together..A person I felt I’d always known and now one I’ll never forget… I owe you………
Thinking of you