Watch Vera's Funeral Mass

Vera Gorder, age 79, of Moorhead, MN, formerly Gary, MN, died Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Lilac Homes in Moorhead.

Vera Marie, the daughter of Charles and Irene (Rock) Brtek, was born in Bejou, MN, on March 26, 1941.  She was raised on the family farm, near Bejou, MN, with her nine siblings.  After graduating from Mahnomen High School, Vera moved to Fargo, ND, where she worked as a waitress for a time.  She returned home and on November 25, 1961, she was united in marriage to Oreal "Tubby" Gorder at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bejou.  Shortly thereafter, they purchased a farm east of Gary, MN, and began their family.  Vera was an active farmwife working side-by-side with Tubby on the necessary chores. She also stayed very busy caring for their children as well as providing daycare for neighboring families.  Vera spent hours sewing, baking, and volunteering at the church.  As her children grew, she began working at the Red Apple Café and at Bruggeman's grocery store in Mahnomen.  She loved the interaction with people and helping others.  Tubby passed away in 2004 and eventually Vera moved to Moorhead to make her home.

Vera loved being in the kitchen. She was a gifted baker and always had treats for the kids and grandkids.  She had fresh bread and buns and made the most wonderful chocolate chip cookies and donuts.  Vera also prepared lefse and a variety of kolaches, which were enjoyed by all.  She liked to play cards, especially whist, pinochle, and solitaire.  Vera was a devoted Christian and was an active member of her home church in Bejou until its closing, when she joined St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Her faith was quite evident in all areas of her life and her kindness will be remembered by all.

Vera is survived by three sons: Darrell (Larysa) Geiger of Jamestown, ND, Craig (Susan) Gorder of Fertile, MN, and Owen Gorder of Gary; four daughters: Lanette Gorder of Moorhead, Laurene (Shawn) Fuglseth of Moorhead, LouAnn (John) Vandeberghe of Cleveland, ND, and Laura (Erick) Berg of Moorhead; eight grandsons: Joseph Geiger, Phillip (Kacy) Geiger, Andrew Warnica, Mathew Krinsky, Jesse (Krista) Gullingsrud, Seth (Maggie) Gullingsrud, Alex (Corina) Huff, and Aaron Huff; six granddaughters: Cheryl (Kevin) Bray, Sarah Krinsky, Faith Fuglseth, Alicia Pray, Janaya Huff, and Perkin Gorder; four great grandchildren: Eden, Leif, Logan and Lincoln.  She is also survived by six siblings: Donald Brtek, Tony (Dorene) Brtek, George (Beth) Brtek, Valeria (Richard) Pavlish, Cynthia McCollum, and Virginia Anderson; one brother-in-law, Howard (Erma) Gorder; two sisters-in-law, Maxine Noss and Marian Gorder; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Lucinda; one brother, Bernard; an additional brother; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Lilac Homes and Hospice of the Red River Valley for their loving care.