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John Steven Gordon, 76, of Iowa City, Iowa, passed away on December 7, 2023, in Iowa City surrounded by his loving family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
John was born on October 22, 1947, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Donal (Chuck) and Margaret Gordon. As a young man, he enjoyed bowling, even playing on a team consisting of his father and four brothers. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles. In 1968, a young woman with blue eyes and small-town Iowa roots caught his eye and changed his path. He and Mary were wed in 1971 and together raised a loving, tight-knit family. Throughout his life, John enjoyed owning, driving, and collecting antique cars, fishing with family, and watching his grandchildren’s many activities. Above all else, John cherished spending time with his family—especially his eleven grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye.
A master of the trades, John possessed a skillful working knowledge of electrical and plumbing and excelled in building roads, constructing homes, and working in residential and commercial construction. John was a gifted and passionate woodworker and spent countless hours in his workshop creating beautiful furniture and birdhouses. He shared his talent and his heart by crafting countless pieces for the homes of those he loved.
John leaves behind his loving wife of 52 years, Mary Gordon, of Iowa City, and their children: Mundi (Sean) McCarty, Ryan (Kate) Gordon, and Megan (Randy) Laing, all of Solon. John found immense joy in his grandchildren and treasured each of them: Reed (Hunter) Pinegar, Grace (partner, Austin Gilbert), Mac and Jack McCarty, Grant, Bennett, and Cal Gordon, Ryder, Boden Graeme, and Gage Laing. John is also survived by his brothers, Dick (Sheryl) Gordon and Gary Gordon, as well as his brothers-in-law, Bob, Brian (Joan), and Brent (Deb) Donohoe, and sisters-in-law Myrna Gordon, Kathy (Terry) Leonard and Janelle (Don) Born. He leaves behind many adoring nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in passing by his parents, his brothers Bob Gordon and Don Gordon, and parents-in-law, Francis ‘Bud’ and Neva Donohoe, sister-in-law Bobbie Jo Donohoe, and nephews Patrick Leonard and Clay Donohoe.
Visitation services are planned for Wednesday, December 13, from 2pm to 5pm at Brown Deer Clubhouse, located at 1900 Country Club Drive, Coralville, IA. Prior to the visitation, a private family service will be held to honor John's life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity or non-profit.
Please join the family in celebrating John's life and sharing cherished memories during this time of remembrance.
https://www.iowacremation.com/obituary/2023/Dec/John-Steven-Gordon
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Will Maas
Dear John:
I'm pretty sure I knew you from kindergarten at Longfellow Elementary School, through Central Junior High and in Iowa City High School up to the day we graduated. I enlisted in the Army two days after that.
I have somewhere in my house a yellowing black and white photo, suffocating in a dark cardbord box or jammed in a file drawer, of our first grade class at Longfellow. You are holding a young dog! I went on an internet search hoping to find a copy.
I've looked through dozens of class pictures online of Longfellow students across the United States, (it appears Iowa City is not the only place graced with a Longfellow) and I can't find a single one in which a teacher permitted a student to bring a pet to pose with the class!
I'mn guessing you brought the dog for "show and tell." Then pleaded with those soulful eyes of yours to let the pup be part of the picture. Eventually, Mrs. Clifton (was that her name?) gave up and muttered, "Oh, what the hell....."
If anyone has this photo, please post it. I'm the smart alec in the white shirt with the oversized grin. John's got the black dog. When I last saw it, I could pick out John McCormick. He taught me, and I think John Gordon and Dale Cox, how to talk like Donald Duck. I, my kids, and my grandchildren are eternally grateful for that, Mr. McCormick. As well as my three past wives and number four, with whom I plan to spend the rest of the hours I'm given. Once you quack, you never go back.
I also recall being in that pic, Terry Reynolds, Valerie Thornton, Mildred Crook, Dale Cox, Steve Lepic, Clayton Augustine, I believe Ron Beaver, and Walter "Butch" Ellsworth. If I saw the photo again, I'm sure I could pick out others.
John, do you remember Dale Cox, you, and I tearing apart cardboard boxes that the janitor gave us so we could fashion sleds to fly down Longfellow hill after the first big blizzard? I do. Pretty sure J. McCormick joined us in that adventure.
My last clear memory of you is of us shaking hands after a third grade Creekside Playground softball game. You were a good sport. Sure, your team beat us. And that made it easier....
But what I remember most about you were: (1) That you were always calm and comfortable in your own skin, and (2) That you were a nice guy.
I'm grateful to have known you, John. I bet you were a sensational father and grandfather. Rest in Peace! You've gone upstairs to join that old black dog.
Your friend, Will