Gordon E. Loehr Sr.
Gordon
Edward Loehr, Senior, age 87, of rural St. Cloud, passed away peacefully at
home with his wife, Cheryl, at his bedside on Friday, January 17, 2020. Gordon was one of twelve local servicemen
from Fond du Lac enlisted in the U.S. Navy who served aboard the USS Dortch, a
destroyer known as “The Little Fondy” during the Korean War from 1951-53.
Gordon
then went on to become a business representative for the United Food and
Commercial Workers Union where he assisted in developing a statewide health,
welfare, and pension program for union workers.
In 1986 he was honored by the Fond du Lac County Labor Council for his
outstanding service in the labor movement.
During
this time Gordon became very active in politics. He was the Chairperson for the Fond du Lac
County Democratic Party; Chairperson for the 6th District Democratic Party;
Delegate to the 1968 Democratic Convention; Democratic candidate for State
Senate in 1968; Democratic candidate for the U.S. Congress in 1982; and the
Democratic candidate for the State Assembly in 1992. After retiring from the
Union, Gordon became the Director of the Blandine House of Fond du Lac and was
responsible for guiding many men to a life of sobriety.
Gordon
was an avid reader and served many years as the President of the Fond du Lac
Public Library Board. But, his greatest
passion was gardening. He cherished the
land and provided friends and family with an ample supply of veggies. He was known as the “Rutabaga King” for
growing almost basketball size rutabagas.
Gordon
is survived by four sons, Gordon (Theresa) Loehr Jr., Kenneth (Julie) Loehr,
Kurt (Bonnie) Loehr, Kraig (Joell) Loehr all of Fond du Lac, two daughters,
Cheryl (John) Gardner of Waupun, and Ilsa Loehr. He is further survived by many grandchildren,
great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Gordon
was preceded in death by his son, Kyle Loehr in 2007, his parents, two sisters,
Velma (LaVern) Cook, and Mildred (Don) Schreiber.
Special
thanks are given to Gordon’s niece, JoAnn Guell, for helping in his care. The family also thanks the nurses from
Agnesian Hospice Hope for their compassionate care of Gordon. Appreciation is also extended to all the
Loehr’s friends and neighbors who so willingly and patiently gave of their time
and love to be there for them.
SERVICE:
Visitation for Gordon will be held on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST from
10:30 am until Noon at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division Street in Fond du
Lac. A memorial service and military
rites will follow.
In
lieu of flowers please direct donations to Agnesian Hospice Hope, The Blandine
House in Fond du Lac, the Fond du Lac Humane Society, or the charity of your
choice.