A Memorial service for Gordon L. Huerd of Warroad, MN will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 10:00AM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN. Visitation will be held one our prior to the service at the chapel. Interment will take place at Norland Cemetery in Salol.
Gordon Lee Huerd passed away in his sleep on June 8, 2022, surrounded by family. He fought a courageous 17-year battle with cancer and is now at peace. Gordon is survived by his sons John (wife Jennifer) and Joseph (wife Jessica); grandsons Lennon and Linus; brothers Larry Huerd, Rolland Huerd, and Edwin Huerd; sisters Peg (husband Ed) Foster and Betty (husband Mike) Hawk. He is further survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews and their loving children. He is preceded in death by his wife Rosanne Huerd (Butler), father Lawrence Huerd, and mother Ann Huerd (King).
Gordon graduated from Warroad High School in 1967. He served his country in the Army in the Vietnam War, from July 31, 1969 – April 15, 1970. After returning from service, Gordon married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Rosanne, on July 31, 1971, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Gordon and his wife moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where their children John and Joseph were born. After briefly moving to Detroit, Michigan, Gordon and his family settled in Maple Grove, Minnesota in 1980, and resided there for the next 21 years. Upon finding themselves to be empty nesters, they decided to return full circle to Warroad. Gordon’s heart was always in Warroad – he loved his community and spoke of it often even when he lived in or traveled to different places. He grew up on the lake and discovered his love of hockey in Hockeytown USA, and always knew he would return to his roots.
Gordon had a long and dedicated career, working at Triarco Arts & Crafts for 31 years in sales and catalog distribution. He was on the road and traveled a lot for his job, but Gordon loved seeing different parts of the country and couldn’t wait to get home to tell his family what he saw, learned, and experienced. After moving back to Warroad, Gordon worked at Marvin Windows until he retired.
Gordon was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, loyal friend, and steadfast brother, uncle, and cousin. Gordon was good-natured, genuine, and kind. He could capture attention with his storytelling and wit. He was soft-spoken, but spoke up when it mattered most. Gordon was thoughtful and intentional with his words, always listening first and thinking before he spoke. He formed lasting friendships and positively impacted the lives of all who had the benefit of knowing him.
As a father, Gordon was active and involved. He taught John and Joe how to skate, fish and hunt. He coached many of their hockey teams through the years. He was a patient teacher and role model, giving great advice and guidance and demonstrating what it means to be a good husband, father and friend – his lessons will live on as his greatest legacy.
Gordon’s pride and joy were his grandsons, Lennon and Linus. Once they were born, all he wanted was to spend more time with his grandbabies – to be there to see them learn and grow. He loved to share experiences with them – going fishing, playing games, watching old Westerns. Being “Papa Gordy” was one of Gordon’s most treasured roles.
Gordon was a car enthusiast, getting a thrill from “kickin’ tires” and buying and selling vehicles. He enjoyed being outdoors fishing, camping, or hunting. He never met a state fair or car show he didn’t like, and he loved going to the Minnesota State Fair with John and Jen. After he retired, Gordon looked forward to his annual road trip to escape the harsh Minnesota winters visiting Joe, Jess, Lennon, and Linus in Colorado on the way to spending the season in Texas with his brother, Larry.
Gordon’s loyalty and duty to his country and community never wavered, and he continued to proudly serve long after his honorable discharge from Vietnam. Gordon was an active member of the Roosevelt American Legion and the Warroad VFW and a charter member of the DAV, Chapter 41. He was an engaged and passionate member of all these service organizations, and it brought him great joy and honor to serve his fellow veterans throughout Roseau County.
The loss of Gordon is great to all who knew him, but there is solace in knowing he is now reunited for eternity with his beloved wife, Rosanne. “While our walk in life together on this earth is over, I will miss you dear until such a time as we walk again in heaven hand in hand.”
Last modified: 06/16/2022
