1927
Gordon
2007
Gordon Dawald
November 23, 1927 — November 30, 2007
Gordon Charles Dawald was born November 23, 1927 in Lac Qui Parle County to Harry and Alma (Grimm) Dawald. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1945. Gordon entered the United States Army in 1946, where he served as a hospital orderly and was sent to Japan. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1947. He returned home to Minnesota where he took over running the family farm on the Minnesota River in 1950 when his father passed away. On July 1, 1957, Gordon was united in marriage to Marjorie Rademacher at St. Joseph's Church in Rosen, Minnesota. They were blessed with three children: Terry, Gerry and Julie.
As well as running the farm, Gordon began working part-time for the Big Stone County Highway Department in 1963. In 1972, the family farm was purchased by the government. Their farm, along with several other farms bordering the Minnesota River, became what is known today as the Big Stone Wildlife Refuge. Gordon and Marjorie moved the family to Ortonville, where Gordon became a full-time employee of the Big Stone County Highway Department. He worked for Big Stone County a total of 28 years before retiring in 1991. Gordon and Marjorie spent the next few years taking several trips traveling over most of the United States and Canada. Gordon also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and playing cards with his friends and family. He also enjoyed watching various sports on television, although he often had a difference of opinion with the officials, especially when the decision went against his team.
Gordon and Marjorie were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 1, 2007, with all their children and grandchildren on the Minnesota Zephyr in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Gordon served as an usher at St. John's Catholic Church where he and his wife were members for many years. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Over the years, Gordon spent time helping his children build their own homes as well as helping with various landscaping projects. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Gordon died on Friday, November 30, 2007 at the Northridge Residence in Ortonville after a courageous battle with cancer. He had lived to reach the age of 80 years.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Ortonville; three children: Terry (Lindy) Dawald of Alexandria, Gerry (Nancy) Dawald of Ortonville and Julie (Marlo) Churness of Big Lake; five grandchildren: Kelly Dawald, Alex Dawald, Courtney Dawald, Kim Churness and Sara Churness; one sister: Donna Mae (Tom)Loaney of Lakeville; two nieces; two nephews and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his baby sister, Rosemary.
Pallbearers for the service will be Paul Radermacher, Darwin Karsky, Mark Thompson, Terry LaVoi, Larry Millerbernd and Gary Haugen. All of Gordon's Grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. Pat Kunz will serve as organist for the service, with the St. John's Church Choir leading the vocals. Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville is in charge of the arrangements.
**In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to Rice Hospice.
As well as running the farm, Gordon began working part-time for the Big Stone County Highway Department in 1963. In 1972, the family farm was purchased by the government. Their farm, along with several other farms bordering the Minnesota River, became what is known today as the Big Stone Wildlife Refuge. Gordon and Marjorie moved the family to Ortonville, where Gordon became a full-time employee of the Big Stone County Highway Department. He worked for Big Stone County a total of 28 years before retiring in 1991. Gordon and Marjorie spent the next few years taking several trips traveling over most of the United States and Canada. Gordon also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and playing cards with his friends and family. He also enjoyed watching various sports on television, although he often had a difference of opinion with the officials, especially when the decision went against his team.
Gordon and Marjorie were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 1, 2007, with all their children and grandchildren on the Minnesota Zephyr in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Gordon served as an usher at St. John's Catholic Church where he and his wife were members for many years. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Over the years, Gordon spent time helping his children build their own homes as well as helping with various landscaping projects. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Gordon died on Friday, November 30, 2007 at the Northridge Residence in Ortonville after a courageous battle with cancer. He had lived to reach the age of 80 years.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Ortonville; three children: Terry (Lindy) Dawald of Alexandria, Gerry (Nancy) Dawald of Ortonville and Julie (Marlo) Churness of Big Lake; five grandchildren: Kelly Dawald, Alex Dawald, Courtney Dawald, Kim Churness and Sara Churness; one sister: Donna Mae (Tom)Loaney of Lakeville; two nieces; two nephews and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his baby sister, Rosemary.
Pallbearers for the service will be Paul Radermacher, Darwin Karsky, Mark Thompson, Terry LaVoi, Larry Millerbernd and Gary Haugen. All of Gordon's Grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. Pat Kunz will serve as organist for the service, with the St. John's Church Choir leading the vocals. Larson Funeral Home in Ortonville is in charge of the arrangements.
**In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to Rice Hospice.