Gordon F. Wolder

Gordon Francis (Butch) Wolder was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on June 7, 1937 to Murray L. Wolder and Bertha E (Bates) Wolder. Gordon was the fourth of five children born to the Wolder family. Harold, Janice and Andrew welcomed him to the family and then he too, welcomed Donna. Gordon was born at home right at dinner time; and as his Mom loved to say, "He cheated me out of my fried potatoes for dinner."

Gordon and family moved to Des Moines, IA when he was two years old and he attended Bird and Grant Elementary schools; Washington Irving Jr. High school and he graduated from North High School. While there, Gordon played basketball, boxed, bowled and lettered in golf. After high school, Gordon (lovingly called Butch by his family and closest friends), attended Drake University, where his field of study was Pharmacy. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Gordon was a very spiritual Man of God. He grew up serving the Lord at Corinthian Baptist Church in Des Moines, IA, where he sang in various choirs. He was currently a member of St. Paul AME Church in Des Moines, IA, where again, he served the Lord in song and deed. He was a member of the Brothers In Harmony Men's Chorus and an inspiration to all who met him.

Gordon met his "Lady Love", DeLoris V. Chaney at a school function at North High School in 1958. He was visiting his alma mater when he laid eyes upon her. Gordon and DeLoris were married under a full moon on November 7, 1959. Their love grew and flourished over the 55 years of marriage they were blessed to share. Gordon and DeLoris became proud parents of four children; Susan Rena`, Gordon Eric, Sharon Rochelle and Shelia Rae Wolder. Gordon loved his family and worked hard to provide for their needs. He was a "Grand Man", a faithful and awesome husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all of us.

Gordon began a 43 year career at the Des Moines Register and Tribune in 1955. He was a member of the Typographical Union and started in Ad Service. A few years later, he scored 100% on the test needed to be awarded an apprenticeship to become a printer. He worked his way up from apprentice to Master Printer in the Composing Room and went on to become the Foreman of the night shift. At his retirement in 1998, Gordon was the Night Production Coordinator for the Register and was responsible for all areas of the newspaper. During his time at the Register, Gordon served on the Credit Union Board of Directors and was an avid force on the Diversity Team, as well- helping to ensure fairness for all people.

Gordon had many hobbies and talents. His family came first and foremost; others included: Sprint Car (midgets) racing; bowling, golfing, hunting, fishing, archery, gardening and baking breads. Gordon loved the outdoors and stayed busy. One of his greatest pleasures was hosting all of the family on Christmas Eve. He would put up a beautiful tree, have lots of good food and all of his family, from his "Lady Love" to his youngest great-grandchild gathered around. They would all listen to him as her read, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and "The Spider and the Fly." That was just one of many traditions he started with his family.

Gordon was a faithful, kind and just man. He was a "people person"- he met no strangers and would talk to everybody with a kind word or uplifting and encouraging statement; a hug or a good laugh for anybody who'd listen. He lived his life fully, without reservation or regrets. Everyone who knew Gordon, loved him.

Gordon went to glory on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at the age of 77. He was preceded in death by his parents, Murray and Bertha Wolder and his oldest grandson, Gordon E. Wolder, Jr.

Gordon leaves behind to cherish his memory and continue his legacy, his loving wife, DeLoris V. Wolder; children, Susan R. Wolder-Williams (Tony), Gordon E. Wolder, Sr. (Josephine), Sharon R. Wolder (Jaoa) and Shelia R. Wolder (Rickie); his grandchildren, Ryan-Christopher W. Morrison (Sammi Krepsky), Sigourney Y. Wolder (Kawanee), LeMarius D. Wolder (Carlotta), Shayla B. Wolder-Gross and DeLoris R. Wolder-Gross; his great-grandchildren, Seth Sylve, Jai`Ana R. Wolder, Riley-Ezekiel W. Morrison and Olivia D. Wolder; siblings, Harold L. Wolder (Essie), Janice E. Ridley, Andrew T. Wolder (Helen) and Donna C. Florence (James) along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.





Cemetery Details Glendale Cemetery 4901 University

Des Moines, IA, 50310



Visitation

FEB 9. 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home

3500 Sixth Avenue

Des Moines, IA, US, 50313



info@hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com

http://www.hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com Funeral Service

FEB 10. 11:00 AM

St Paul AME Church

1201 Day Street

Des Moines, IA, US