Donald "Ole" Gordon, age 59, of Mahnomen, MN, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at his home near Mahnomen.

Donald Wayne Gordon, "Ole", was born on August 22, 1952 in White Earth, MN, to Harold and Christine (Clark) Gordon. He grew up in the Pine Bend, MN, and Mahnomen areas. After attending Uran Country School near his home, Ole went to Mahnomen High School. In 1972, he was united in marriage to Carol LaFriniere and to this union they were blessed with a son, David. They made their home in Bemidji, MN where Ole attended Bemidji State University. For much of his life, Ole lived and traveled around the United States working road construction, spending most of those years living in Minnesota, Chicago, and California.

Ole liked to be outdoors, going for walks, enjoying the warm weather and stopping in for visits with his friends. He truly enjoyed playing cards and at a moments notice could be in the mood for a long game of poker or cribbage. Ole loved playing basketball with his son and nephews and was always ready for a good schooling in the game of "horse". Ole spent many hours reading and would faithfully make his way to church on Sunday. He made great conversation on the road talking with his family and friends. In addition to his love of western music, Ole also liked bands such as the Eagles and was always game for a good "street dance" during the wild rice days.

He is survived by one son, David (Sara) Gordon of Bagley, MN; two brothers, John and Harold "Butch" (Gladys) Gordon, both of Mahnomen; four sisters: Sandy Buckanoga of Duluth, MN, Judy (Rod) Greene of Thief River Falls, MN, Lois Asher of Mahnomen, and Stella (Steve) Leslie of Mahnomen; three grandchildren: Jessica (Jake) Anderson, Julia Gordon, and Jeremiah Gordon; and two great-grandchildren, Kaydence Gordon and Lucus Anderson.

Ole was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Christine; one brother, Kenneth; one sister, Janet Roy; and his companion, Roberta Stevens.

Visitation took place on Friday, March 16, 2012 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Prayer Service at 6:30pm led by Pastor Tim Brown, all at Rice Lake Area Fellowship Church in Rice Lake, MN. Funeral Services were held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Church in Naytahwaush, MN led by Rev. Robert Roy. Serving as pallbearers were Kenny Gordon, Kenny Gordon Jr., Matt Gordon, Bobby Gordon, Lonny Asher, and Harry Leslie. Special music was provided by Terri Midbo and Eagle Spirit Drum Group.
Interment was at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Cemetery in Naytahwaush.