All Obituaries from Tollefson Funeral Home

William E. Gorder

Name: Visitation
Start: 08/06/2017 05:00 PM
End: 08/06/2017 07:00 PM
Location: Tollefson Funeral Home

March 21, 1929 — August 3, 2017

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William E.”Bill” Gorder, age 88 of Grafton, ND passed away peacefully into Jesus’ arms, with his family by his side on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. He is now walking with his Lord and Savior on the streets of gold in Heaven.

William E. Gorder was born March 21, 1929 in Grafton, ND the son of the late William H. and Stella (Eck) Gorder. He graduated from Grafton High School in 1947. Bill farmed near Grafton following his education. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1951-1953. Following his discharge, he returned home and married the love of his life, Marlene Ness on her 21st birthday. He farmed near Grafton until he enrolled at UND and received a Bachelor’s in Education in History and English. He taught high school in Minto, ND and Karlstad, MN. He went back to school and received a Master’s in Guidance Counseling. He served as the Jr. High Guidance Counselor in Grafton. He was asked to head a task force to start the North Valley Vo-Tech School in Grafton. He was instrumental in getting the bond issue passed and later served as the first director. Bill served as a North Dakota Legislator for eight terms and a Walsh County Commissioner for two terms.

Bill was a lifelong member of the Grafton Assembly of God Church. He was very active in the Gideon’s. Bill and Marlene did several international missionary trips over the years.

Bill is survived by his wife Marlene, Grafton, ND; his children: Roger (Morna) Gorder, Grafton, ND; Sheryl Gorder, Grafton, ND; Dean (Vicki) Gorder, Grand Forks, ND; Janet (Bill) Hruby, Fargo, ND; seven grandchildren: Dustin (Patty), Krysta, Katelyn, Derek, Alli (Geoff), David (Annie) and Carter, four great grandchildren and his brother, Glenn (JoAnn) Gorder, Fordville, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be Monday, August 7, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at the Grafton Assembly of God Church. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Monday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grafton City Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.

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