Raymond Gorder

Raymond Gorder, 79, of Lamberton, died September 26, 2020, at Valley View Manor Care Center in Lamberton.

Services were held Oct. 2 at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lamberton with Chaplain Noel Wetter and Pastor Todd Mathison officiating. 

Interment was at the Lamberton Cemetery.

Raymond “Ray” Harold Gorder was born March 14, 1941, to Orven and Dorothea Gorder. He grew up in Staples and graduated in 1959. Ray attended Concordia College in Moorhead and graduated with an Education degree in 1963. On June 6, 1964, Ray and Mary were united in marriage. After two years of teaching in Northwood, ND, they made their home in Lamberton in 1965. They raised two children, Heidi and Erik. Family time was spent picnicking and later in life camping at Lake Shetek.  Ray loved the game of golf and shared that with the family. He also farmed his family farm in Staples for many years in addition to teaching.  He and the family spent a lot of time there.  Ray was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church since moving to Lamberton.  He loved teaching science and coaching and was the head wrestling coach and later the golf coach. After 33 years of teaching in Lamberton, he retired in 1998.  After retirement Ray and Mary became snowbirds going to Arizona for over 20 years. The warm weather fueled his love for bicycling.  It became his obsession and he rode thousands of miles each year. He connected with many people on his daily rides. He  knew the wind speed and direction because that was important when biking.   

Ray is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary of Lamberton; one daughter, Heidi (Chuck) Stverak of Sioux Falls, SD; one son, Erik Gorder (Chad Smith) of Kent, WA; two granddaughters, Abby and Lucy Stverak of Moorhead; one brother, David (Karen) Gorder of Park Rapids and many other relatives and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Elaine, Marilyn and Agnes Gorder.

Arrangements were with the Sturm Funeral Home in Lamberton. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

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