Kenneth F. Gordon

April 24, 2014, Kenneth Francis Gordon died at age 69 of a stroke. Ken was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Ken was one of nine children and was raised in Montrose, S.D. He graduated from Montrose High School in 1962. He left home to attend the seminary at Kitchener, Ontario. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Latin, philosophy and 7-12 social studies. He also received a Master of Arts in secondary school administration and K-12 guidance and counseling.

He spent 30 years in Lake City, Iowa, where he was a K-12 guidance counselor. He was an advocate for education, especially early education.

He moved to Fountain Hills where he retired in 2002. Throughout life, his Catholic faith was important to him, which helped as he persevered through great physical adversity.

His greatest joys were his grandchildren and his South Dakota roots and family. Helping farmers and working with crops were a significant part of Ken’s summers as he served as a hail adjuster traveling through the Midwest for many years.

He is survived by his wife Marion of 43 years; daughter, Natatsha Dockstader (Matt); son, George (Mary); daughter, Anne Wemhoff (Mike); grandchildren, Lexie, Mrya, Gavin, Kinley, Hannah, and Briella; brothers, Tom (Judy), Larry (Laurie), Bobby (Diane), Steve (Correne), Paul (Linda); and sister, Cathy Guidarelli (Tom).

Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph; sister, Colleen; father, Fred; and mother, Rosalyce.

The funeral mass was at Church of the Ascension in Fountain Hills Monday, April 28. Burial service is at St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Lake City, Iowa, on Thursday, May 1.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials payable to The Lake City Pool Project. Send to Marion Gordon, 16740 E. Almont Dr. A, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. Memorials will be matched by the Brenau Matching Fund Campaign.