Mary Ellen Downing

Gordon Dovre was born on December 2, 1927, in rural Minneota, to Knute and Annie (Rukstad) Dovre. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Minneota High School. Gordon served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge, he continued farming with his father and brother near Minneota. On October 5, 1957, he was united in marriage to Wilma Devorak. In 1964, they moved to a farm near Marshall. Gordon continued farming until his retirement in 2008. He loved farming and was involved in many agricultural organizations. Gordon and his brother helped their father to host many private pure bred duroc hog shows. He was very involved with 4-H, both as a child and later as an adult leader. He was involved with both state and local soy bean board and he was a member and past-president of the local farm bureau. He loved animals of all kinds, especially horses. He loved riding horses and taught his girls to ride at an early age. He belonged to the Circle Star Saddle Club. Gordon was also an active member and past-president of the American Legion Post 113 of Marshall and was the Area D Commander for the 7thDistrict of the U.S. American Legion. Gordon enjoyed spending time with people and made friends very easily. He enjoyed spending time with his pals over a cup of coffee at the elevator or Mike’s Café. Gordon died on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at the Prairie Home Hospice House in Marshall with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Wilma, of Marshall, daughter Debra (and Allan) Burthus, of Granite Falls, their sons Adam and Ryan, daughter Gretchen Dovre-Wellendorf of Minneapolis, siblings Margaret Kurcaba of Albuquerque, NM, Eldon Dovre of Clarkfield, Phyllis Thureson of Minneapolis, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one niece.