Robert Gordon

MONONA-Robert D. Gordon took his last solo flight on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 14, 1923, the only surviving child of Cornelius and Clare (Kirscher) Gordon. He grew up in the Madison area, but spent several years during the great depression with family in Oregon state. He attended Edgewood High School and was a graduate of Marquette University. He developed a life long love of aviation and adventure while serving as a Navy Pilot and spotter in the South Pacific during World War II. He married his favorite girl, Arlyn Frieders on Oct. 26, 1957, and together they raised three daughters. He made his living as an agent of Mutual of New York, putting his Bob Gordon brand of listening to work for them. He knew no strangers. In his later years, he was able to realize some of his long-held dreams. His favorites were trips to Alaska, tracking polar bears on the tundra, flying into the boundary waters with his buddies, and teaching the illiterate to read. His passions were his family, fishing, and golf. He was survived by his daughters, Kathy (Jim Schumacher) Gordon and Susan Gordon Hubanks (Greg); and granddaughters, Hilary and Hannah Hubanks. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arly; and his daughter, Lynell. A memorial mass will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from Noon until the time of Mass on Thursday. . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. A special thanks to Chris Wautlet and Opal Baker, as we could not have kept him at home without their help. Bob was a quiet, humble, and extremely generous man. He was the bestest ever soul: kind, gentle, honest. Integrity meant everything to him. He was so dearly loved and will be sorely missed. “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.” Visitation will be held at the church from Noon until the time of Mass on Thursday. A memorial mass will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.