1935
John
2007
John Gorder
February 3, 1935 — November 23, 2007
Harold John Gorder, son of Harold and Inger (Thompson) Gorder, was born February 3, 1935 in White Bear Lake Township in Pope County, Minnesota. John was the last child born at home by Dr. A.F. Giesen. He was baptized on March 10, 1935 and confirmed in March, 1949 at Indherred Lutheran Church by Reverend Gerhard O. Forde. He attended Starbuck Public Schools, graduating from Starbuck High School in 1953. While in school, he was a member of the White Bear Lake 4-H Club. John continued his education for one year at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, then went on to St. Cloud State College, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Industrial Arts. Following his schooling, John taught a short time in Verndale and Mora Schools. He returned to Starbuck and helped his father farm and started working construction. He worked for building contractors, Carl Dahlseng and Alvin Vinge. He also worked independently and with Harry Erickson and Harvey Chlian Sr. for many years.
On November 27, 1976, he was united in marriage to Deborah Lee Thornquist at Little Sauk Lutheran Church by Pr. Wayne Mensing and Carmen P. Thronson. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Starbuck for ten years. For the rest of their married life, the couple lived on John's boyhood home on the Gorder farm in White Bear Lake Township.
John was a member of Indherred Lutheran Church in Starbuck, where he was involved in the building the church, the parish hall, the front entry and the wheel chair lift. He was also a Sunday School Teacher for 30 years and served as the cemetery sexton for 49 years. John was a member of the Starbuck Lions Club for 42 years, where he had perfect attendance and was also lion tamer for 25 years. In 1983, John was involved in making the world's largest lefse. He served as White Bear Lake Township Clerk for ten years and in the 1970's, he served on the Luther Crest Board. John was a snowmobile safety instructor for 30 years, and was also a helpmate for his wife's daycare children.
John's interests included camping, traveling and cruising, and he also enjoyed decorating the farm site with Christmas lights. He and his wife also attended many plays and concerts together.
John died on Friday, November 23, 2007 at his home in White Bear Lake Township, rural Starbuck, having lived to reach the age of 72 years.
He is survived by his wife: Deborah Gorder of Starbuck; sister-in-law: Miriam Thornquist of Holmes City and 27 years of day care families. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Amy VanZee will serve as organist for the service. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.
On November 27, 1976, he was united in marriage to Deborah Lee Thornquist at Little Sauk Lutheran Church by Pr. Wayne Mensing and Carmen P. Thronson. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Starbuck for ten years. For the rest of their married life, the couple lived on John's boyhood home on the Gorder farm in White Bear Lake Township.
John was a member of Indherred Lutheran Church in Starbuck, where he was involved in the building the church, the parish hall, the front entry and the wheel chair lift. He was also a Sunday School Teacher for 30 years and served as the cemetery sexton for 49 years. John was a member of the Starbuck Lions Club for 42 years, where he had perfect attendance and was also lion tamer for 25 years. In 1983, John was involved in making the world's largest lefse. He served as White Bear Lake Township Clerk for ten years and in the 1970's, he served on the Luther Crest Board. John was a snowmobile safety instructor for 30 years, and was also a helpmate for his wife's daycare children.
John's interests included camping, traveling and cruising, and he also enjoyed decorating the farm site with Christmas lights. He and his wife also attended many plays and concerts together.
John died on Friday, November 23, 2007 at his home in White Bear Lake Township, rural Starbuck, having lived to reach the age of 72 years.
He is survived by his wife: Deborah Gorder of Starbuck; sister-in-law: Miriam Thornquist of Holmes City and 27 years of day care families. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Amy VanZee will serve as organist for the service. Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in charge of the arrangements.
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