Dr. John Davy Zander

Born on July 23, 1944, to Helmut A. Zander and Eleanor Jean Davy. John was raised in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in a family that valued education, discipline, and service. As the eldest son of a periodontist, he developed an early appreciation for medicine, intellectual curiosity, and hard work—qualities that would define the course of his life.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bates College in 1966, a Master of Science in Physiology from the University of Hawaii in 1968, and his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in 1971.

Following medical school, Dr. Zander proudly served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Navy aboard the USS Independence from 1972 to 1975. He later completed surgical residency and training in Tampa, Florida. Then completed a fellowship in Colon-Rectal Surgery at Grand Rapids, Michigan before beginning a long and respected career in Springfield, Illinois.

In 1981, Dr. Zander joined Springfield Clinic, where he spent decades serving patients and advancing medicine in Central Illinois. A board-certified colon and rectal surgeon, he was respected for his surgical skill, leadership, and steadfast dedication to patient care.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Zander served in numerous leadership roles at Springfield Clinic, helping guide its growth into one of the region’s premier medical organizations. His professional influence extended far beyond the operating room. A dedicated educator and mentor, he served as a Clinical Associate Professor at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine from 1981 to 2015, training generations of physicians and surgeons. He also contributed to medical review and regulatory boards throughout Illinois. Even after decades in medicine, his passion for learning endured, leading him to study law at Saint Louis University School of Law from 1998 to 2001. He was a proven leader, an excellent teacher, and a man who believed deeply in the responsibility of sharing knowledge with others.

While medicine was his profession, family was always at the center of John’s life. He loved conversation, travel, lifelong learning, and sharing his perspective with others. Known for his dry, steady sense of humor, he could make people laugh with only a few words and was admired for both his intelligence and honesty.

John’s passion for international travel took him to destinations around the world, with Portugal among his favorites. He also took part in volunteer medical missions to Guatemala, Bolivia, Argentina, and India, combining his love of medicine with his commitment to serving others.

Beneath his sharp intellect was a loyal friend, thoughtful mentor, and deeply devoted family man whose presence, wisdom, and humor will be greatly missed.

In his final years, John faced serious illness with determination and courage. Throughout that difficult time, his wife Joann remained constantly by his side, caring for him with extraordinary love, loyalty, and strength. Her devotion brought him comfort and dignity through the final chapter of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Beth Zander Hill.

John is survived by his wife, Joann; his children Kacy Zander, Joe Zander, Jill (Brent) Borah, John Zander, and Jennifer (Todd) Pierce; his beloved grandchildren: Chance Burnett, Cruz Hun, Minnie Zander, Iris Zander, Clayton Borah, Carter Borah, Connor Borah, Zapleigh Zander, Owen Pierce, and Lainey Pierce; and his siblings Valerie Starrett, Christine Zander, and Mark Zander.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road, Springfield, Illinois 62711.

A private burial will take place Friday, May 22, 2026.

The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Dr. John Zander be made to: FightCRC: https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/or SIU School of Medicine Memorial Fund.

Additional details for the School of Medicine Memorial Fund will be shared soon.