Howard D Gorder

Howard D. Gorder, 91, of Bismarck, peacefully passed away January 16, 2015, with his family at his side. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am Thursday, January 22, at St. Georges Episcopal Church, 601 N. Fourth Street, Bismarck with the Rev. Zanne Ness officiating. Military graveside services will follow at 2:00 pm at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, January 21, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm. Howard was born August 12, 1923, in Grafton, ND, to Henry O. and Ida Eck Gorder. He had one brother, Hank, and two sisters, Alice and Phyllis. After graduating from Grafton High School in 1941, he enlisted as a Corporal in the Marine Corp and honorably served from 1942 until 1946 on the island of Attu, AK during WWII. He was proud of the letter of appreciation he received from the Governor of Alaska for his service. Ever one for stories, Howard was fond of saying "Let me tell you sometime about how we won the Big One." Upon returning home, Howard met and married his sweetheart, Adele Ferguson, Forest River, on May 16, 1948. They had one daughter, Bonnie, in 1959. Howard worked at the North Dakota Employment Security Bureau for 32 years holding numerous management positions, including Chief Management Analyst. After "retiring" he went on to establish land development and investment companies and arbitrate disputes for the National Academy of Conciliators. A consummate reader and learner, Howard completed many courses and seminars in business management and computer science. In his spare time he enjoyed many fun filled family vacations and camping trips with their neighborhood camping group, as well as, traveling to numerous car shows and Arabian horse shows throughout North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota. A second "retirement" allowed Howard and Adele to split their time between Bismarck and Mesa, AZ., with frequent visits to Seattle, WA to see their daughter, son in-law and "granddogs". Being a hard worker who believed in serving and giving back to others, Howard was widely liked and respected. He was active in many organizations including the Elks 57 year member, past Exalted Ruler, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for ND West, Elk of the Year 1985-1986, Elks National Service Commission District Deputies Award in the Disabled Veterans Remembrance Achievement Contest, 1975, and chairman of numerous committees, American Legion past North Dakota State American Legion commander, ND Chapter International Association of Personnel in Employment Security I.A.P.E.S., President, El Zagal Shrine General Chairman and dedicated volunteer of the Shrine Circus, Chairman Window Ticket Sales, Chairman Nurses training-Burns Hospital, Chaplain Lewis & Clark Masonic Lodge, Bismarck/Mandan Disabled American Veterans Commander, St. George's Episcopal Church Senior Warden, Stewardship Chairman, Bismarck Kiwanis Club President and Kiwanis Outstanding Presidents Award, 1988, Mercer-Brush Lake Community Assn. Member Board of Directors, Brush Lake Cabin Owners Assn. President, and Bismarck Toast Masters. An avid car buff, Howard owned many cars over the years. One of his favorite pastimes was to go out and "kick tires". He loved to restore classic and special interest cars and owned a 1931 Mayflower Plymouth Executive Coupe, 1937 Ford pick-up, 1914 Buick, 1959 Nash Rambler, 1954 Kaiser Manhattan, and 1948 Willy's Jeepster, to name a few. Howard actively participated in El Zagal Dusters events and parades and was past president of the organization. Another hobby was music and he played the trumpet, French horn and upright alto. A 37 year member of the ND State American Legion Band, Howard enjoyed marching in parades and going on their yearly band trips. He also played in the Bismarck Elks Band 22 years and chaired the Elks Music Scholarship Committee and the State Elks Assoc. Music Committee for years. Howard was always kind, gracious and generous. He had a great sense of humor and loved telling stories. His nickname, "Howdy", said it all as he always had a kind word and smile for his many friends. He was supportive, strong, and loyal -- basically an all-around great guy. Howard will be greatly missed by all and never forgotten. Especially by his loving wife of 66 years, Adele, Bismarck, and his daughter Bonnie Gorder-Hinchey, and son-in-law Michael Hinchey, Seattle, WA.; sister, Phyllis Johnson, Grafton, ND; sister in-law, Ivonne Eastman, Grand Forks, ND; nieces, Leslie Steve Adams, Port St. Lucie, FL, Ruth Larry Ries, West Fargo, ND, Carol Janousek, Mentor, MN; and nephews, Bill Mary Mitchell, Thompson, ND, Jon Gorder, Grafton, ND, Tim Susan Johnson, Park River, Steve Laurie Johnson, Grafton, ND, Paul Val Johnson, Faribault, MN, Craig Virginia Garland, Bend, OR, Brian Eastman, Johnstown, ND; his faithful dog, Winston, and his "granddogs" Taz, Ynde and Rev. Howard was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Eck Gorder, father, Henry O. Gorder, sister, Alice Mitchell, and brother, Hank Gorder. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Elks Camp Grassick, Dan Mimnaugh, Director, PO Box F, Dawson, ND, 58428.

Howard D Gorder

August 12, 1923 - January 16, 2015