Barbara Lou Gordon (née Hull)

MADISON - Barbara Gordon, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 24, 2025, peacefully listening to Christmas music and surrounded by her family. Her passing fell on the 91st birthday of her cherished husband, John Gordon, with whom she shared 69 years of marriage - partnership rooted in faith, music, and steadfast devotion.

Born in Madison, Wis., to Helen and Clarence Hull, Barbara grew up with a deep sense of family and tradition. Barb loved spending time on her aunt’s farm as a child, where she laughed and chased cats with her cousins, often tormented by her younger brother Bob, who would later become a great friend along with his wife, Ellen. She began singing in the church choir at a young age, igniting her lifelong love of music.  As an adult, she was an honorary member of the Philharmonic Chorus of Madison.  She attended Madison East High School, where she met John while performing on stage, beginning a love story that would last a lifetime.

Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She was a proud mother to Mary Yentz (John), Brenda (Ron Richter) Gordon and Debbie (Bill) Goddard; and a loving grandmother to Derek, Amanda, Jordan, Allison, Victoria, Taylor, Haylee, Lindsey, Camryn, Carli, Danielle and Mia. Her love extended joyfully to her 10 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought light to her life. She is survived by her beloved husband, John; and her brother, Bob (Ellen) Hull, and was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Helen; and her great-granddaughter, Greta Gintoft.

Tenacious, curious, and intelligent, Barbara worked as an accountant in a CPA firm, performing the work of a certified accountant with no formal college education. She shared her talents and her time generously, caring for her mother, aunt and others throughout her life. Barb also volunteered fixing dolls at the American Girl Doll Museum and her annual girls’ trips to the American Girl store with her granddaughters became a treasured family tradition. She and John were devoted supporters of their grandchildren’s sports, dance and theater endeavors.

Barbara delighted in life’s simple joys: crossword puzzles, singing in church, baking her famous chocolate chip cookies, and honoring her adopted Norwegian traditions through annual Christmas baking of lefse, krumkake, and rosettes. Her artistry was evident in the exquisite cross-stitch and needlepoint pieces she created, each one stitched with patience, care, and love.

Above all, Barbara lived a life shaped by faith and love. She and John shared a bond strengthened by music and devotion to God and family, serving as a lasting example of commitment and grace. Barbara’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her. Her warmth, intelligence, and unwavering faith will continue to guide and inspire those who hold her memory in their hearts.

A memorial service will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, followed by a luncheon. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Barb’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” - Matthew 25:23

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420