Gordon Duane Wagoner

On Sunday, November 19th, 2023, we said goodbye to Gordon "Gordy" Duane Wagoner. He battled with Alzheimer's for several years but passed peacefully in the comfort of his own home from other complications. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Carter, his sister, Linda, and his parents, Gordon and Lorraine. He was born in St. Paul, MN in March of 1942. He graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1960 where he enjoyed running track, wrestling, and playing football. After high school, he followed in the steps of his military family and joined the Navy. His first assignment was on the USS Glacier, an ice-breaker that went to Antarctica. Their mission, "Operation Deep Freeze" was to provide ice-breaking services, so that ships could deliver logistical support and supplies to the polar stations. He and his brother, Chuck were both on the USS Glacier when they discovered an unnamed inlet in Antarctica. It was then named, and is still known today as Wagoner Inlet, after his brother Chuck. After the USS Glacier, he reenlisted in the Navy where he then volunteered to be deployed to Vietnam. He also volunteered to the Navy's Swift Boats that patrolled the coastal waters and rivers of South Vietnam. These unplated boats saw combat, fire-fights, and many hidden dangers. We will always honor his service and the many veterans who continue to put country before self. After the Navy, he married Wendy Ehrler, embarking on a 53 year journey that included raising a family and enjoying many adventures. Those adventures led him to owning a resort on the White Fish chain of lakes in Manhattan Beach, MN, a log home in Steamboat Springs, CO, a condo in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii and eventually back to Minnetonka, MN where he has resided for the last 37 years. Within those adventures, he owned a horse, "Chicky" in Colorado and enjoyed attending chariot races. He also guided many horseback elk hunts up into the high country of the Colorado Rockies. In Hawaii, his passion was scuba diving, but in Minnesota he became an avid hunter and fisherman. In 2009, he parked his RV fifth wheel at Agate Bay Resort on Mille Lacs Lake and spent most of his weekends fishing for his favorite...Walleyes! During all his adventures, he worked as an electrician and eventually became an electrical inspector for the City of Minnetonka. He leaves behind his loving wife, Wendy; four children, Jeannine (Dan), Krista (Paul), Cory (Rob), Mark (April); and all his many grandchildren. Also survived by brothers, Chuck and Steve; sister, Nancy; and many nieces and nephews. He may be gone from this earthly world but he will never be forgotten. A Celebration of Life service will occur at a later date-to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project woundedwarriorproject.org

Tributes

Gordon Duane Wagoner

March 29, 1942 - November 19, 2023

Tributes

Gordon Duane Wagoner

March 29, 1942 - November 19, 2023

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