Gordon Aloysius Golder

GOLDER, GORDON Gordon Aloysius Golder died Aug. 23, 2014 surrounded by the love and gratitude of his family. Gordon was born in Kansas City, MO, on Dec. 15, 1928 to George and Grace Golder. He joined the U.S. Navy after high school and served from 1948 until 1953, working as a Russian translator. He earned a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Gannon University, he was class valedictorian, and a master's degree in Economics from Texas Tech University. Later he earned a doctoral degree in Educational Gerontology from the University of Michigan. He worked most of his life as an educator, the bulk of his career spent at Ferris State University, where he taught social science from 1965 until his retirement in 1989. Gordon loved his family, his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He was an avid sailor. He toured on his motorcycle well into his 70s. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Bonita (Kern) Golder; children George Anthony Golder (Jill); Michael Edward Golder (Lisa); and Elizabeth Rose Stefanowski (Rob). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Erin Elizabeth Golder; Zachariah James Golder; Benjamin Daniel Golder; Keegan Edward Golder; Madeline Rose Stefanowski; Paige Elizabeth Stefanowski; and Delaney Diana Stefanowski. A visitation will be held from 4 PM to 8 PM Wednesday at the Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, MI. A rosary will be prayed during the viewing at 7:30. Additional visitation is scheduled for one hour prior to a Mass of Christian burial to be held Thursday at 11:00 AM at Saint Jude Parish, 1120 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids, MI. Interment will take place with full military honors at 2:30 PM Thursday at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family asks that you consider making a donation in Gordon's name to God's Kitchen, 303 S. Division Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49503. 00