Norman Gorder, 85, of rural Gary, MN died Wednesday, April 03, 2013 in Sanford Palliative Care, Fargo.

Norman Sanford Gorder was born in Waukon Township, the son of Oscar and Clara (Haugen) Gorder on March 11, 1928. He was baptized and confirmed in Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary. Norman attended Gary High School, graduating with the class of 1946.

Norman served his country during the Korean War in the 3rd Infantry Division 10th Field Artillery Battalion. He returned home to the family farm and continued farming until his retirement. In his youth, he was active in his church teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. Later in life Norman served on several church offices.

Norman was an amateur astronomer, building his own telescope to study the stars. Later, farming became more important when he built his own field sprayer. Over the years Norman kept busy in his workshop making improvements on his machinery.

On July 27, 1968 Norman was united in marriage to Marian Borck at St. John's Lutheran Church in Elizabeth, MN. The couple made their home near Gary, where Marian continues to live. Norman and Marian retired in 1996 and had their auction March 1st, 1996.

Norman and Marion enjoyed traveling, driving in every state except Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Hawaii. They visited "Old Ironsides" Boston, Massachusetts; Springwood, home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt; drove Broadway in New York; toured the White House and Washington, D.C. They also made trips to Florida, Texas, and California. Branson, Missouri was the favorite place to enjoy many Christmas programs.

Norman is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marian of Gary, MN; sisters, Merine Vigum of Twin Valley, MN and Maxine (Lester) Noss of East Grand Forks, MN; brother, Howard (Erma) Gorder of Gary, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mildred Gunderson and Cora Matson; brothers, Orville and Oreal; and nephews, Donald and Allan Matson.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. in Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary. Visitation was Friday, April 5 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation was also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Officiating was Pastor Kelly Ahola with Jenny Hanson serving as organist and special music provided by Elise Borck and Mark Habedank. Pallbearers were Mike Vigum, Norman Gunderson, Richard Noss, Robert Noss, Craig Gorder and Randal Gorder. Military honors were provided by the Gary American Legion Post #505 and the MN National Guard Honor Guard.

Interment was in Ness Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.