Norvin Eugene Gordon

ROCHESTER - Norvin Gordon, age 76, of Rochester, died Saturday (July 5, 2014) at Mayo Clinic Hospital - Rochester, St. Mary's Campus, after a brief illness. Norvin Eugene Gordon was born September 11, 1937 in Berkley, CA, and was raised by his parents Herchel and LaVera (Hutchison) Gordon in Bakersfield, CA. After high school he served in the U.S. Army, and then he completed his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo, while working on the Southern Pacific Railroad. He started his life long career at IBM in Santa Maria, CA. During that time he married Wanda (Lenderman) and had four wonderful children. They moved to Rochester in 1978, and now, they have 14 grandchildren, whom he loved dearly.

Norvin was a terrific father who participated in all aspects of his children's lives. Coaching basketball and soccer, and proudly seeing both his sons make Eagle Scout during his involvement as a Scout Leader. He was the homework helper, the car mechanic, the advice giver, and the excellent breakfast chef, specializing in crepes.

Norvin had many hobbies throughout his life: ship refurbisher, model train enthusiast, bonsai artist, fishing, hunting, remote control airplane pilot, gardener, pie maker extraordinaire, computer expert, maple syrup maker, and talented wood worker. Throughout his life he built many gifts for family and friends. He was a man who could fix anything, and was always happy to lend someone a helping hand.

Norvin is survived by his wonderful wife Wanda of Rochester, his 4 children who affectionately nicknamed him D.O.D. (Dear Old Dad) Derek (Eliza) Gordon of Santa Fe, NM, Aaron (Michelle) Gordon of Woodinville, WA, Kristen (Jim) Santo of Kennewick, WA and Pam (Barry) Nelson of Winona, MN. Norvin was a beloved grandfather to his 14 grandkids, Colin Gordon, Dana Gordon, Jennifer Gordon, Kirstin Nelson, Maxwell Gordon, Salem Gordon, Riley Santo, Connor Santo, Madeline Nelson, Reagan Santo, Soren Gordon, Devon Gordon, Zane Nelson and Brea Nelson.

A Celebration of Life service will be 11:15 AM Friday, at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Rochester Chapel. Friends may gather from 10:30 AM until the time of the service, a reception will be held following the service.

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Visitation

JUL 11. 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM (CDT)

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Rochester Chapel
1624 37th Street. NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Service

JUL 11. 11:15 AM (CDT)

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Rochester Chapel
1624 37th Street. NW
Rochester, MN 55901