Gordon James Amundson, 81, died May15, 2018.
“Gordy” grew up in Wahpeton, N.D., where he excelled in sports. He played football on scholarship for the Valley City Vikings and he played semi-pro baseball for the Breckenridge-Wahpeton Twins. He also ran track, played tennis and enjoyed a lifetime of playing golf with his son and his friends.
He graduated from Valley City State College in 1959 and received a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in 1964. He lived in the Chicago area until 1967, and then moved to Minneapolis with his son and first wife, Colleen Coghlan.
Gordy was a teacher, a salesman and, for most of his career, an associate professor in the College of Continuing Education at the University of Minnesota. Kind, generous, honorable, tolerant and content with his life, he had a twinkle in his eye. He loved golf, indeed, all sports—especially Gopher sports—and his poker buddies, the YMCA and going out for a beer with the boys.
He especially enjoyed his grandkids, Cecilia and Simon. He and his second wife, Leslie, had more than 40 years together. Charlie was a constant in his life, and they had many good talks on the golf course.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie; son, Charlie; step-daughter, Nora Alexander; and siblings, Darlene Johnson and Ken Amundsen.
His memorial service was May 27 at St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ.
