Frederick C Gau

Frederick (Fred) C. Gau passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025 at the age of 88 years, being born in Camrose, Alberta, Canada. He was preceded in death by Norma (Vinet), his wife of 60 years, his daughter Michele Perkowski (Michael), his infant son Mark Gau, his great grandson Joseph Green, his brothers Daniel and Gerald Gau, his sister Theresa Marushechka (Mitch) and his parents Leander and Hilda Gau.

Fred graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, where he met and later married Norma, and subsequently received his medical degree from the University of Alberta. Fred served in the U.S. Army as a Major and surgeon from 1969-1971. He was awarded 2 Bronze stars during his tour in Vietnam, including one for his volunteer work in the local jungle villages providing free medical care to the local families who had little access to it.

Fred practiced medicine as one of the founding partners of Surgical Associates at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. Fred was particularly known for his work with laser endoscopies and he was a pioneer in developing blood ports, weight loss procedures and laser treatments of the rare disease Ossler-Weber-Rendu. He served as both Chief of Surgery and the Chief of Staff at St. Francis.

As a young man Fred loved rebuilding cars and racing them. He loved playing hockey, was a ping pong champion and worked as a ballroom dance instructor to earn money in college. Fred also enjoyed hunting moose and venison seasonally. As an older man, Fred loved to play golf and tennis. He walked 2 miles daily well into his eighty seventh year. Fred and Norma also loved to entertain, and Fred was happiest grilling for a full house of friends and family.

Fred will be remembered most for his laugh, his humor, and the stories he loved to tell. A devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he is lovingly remembered by his daughters Cathy Gorski (Phil), Renee Tam (Hamid), his grandchildren Sean Gau (Nicole), Ellen Green (John), Leander Gorski (Kristi), Alex Tam (Emma) and Lyann Tam and eight great grandchildren.

A visitation for Frederick will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 820 Division St, Lisle, IL 60532, (630) 963-4500.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate any donations be made to the University of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary at usml.edu/give. or to the Alzheimer’s Association at donorservices.alz.org