Amundson, Gordon James Age 81, of Roseville MN died on Tuesday 5/15, surrounded by his family as he passed away. His melanoma had metast-asized very quickly. He is survived by his wife Leslie, his son Charlie, his step daughter Nora Alexander, and his siblings Darlene Johnson and Ken Amundsen.
"Gordy" grew up in the small town of Wahpeton North Dakota with his parents, Art and Ethel, and his 2 siblings. As a young man, he excelled in sports. In the 1954 state high school basketball championship game, with the game on the line, Gordy hit the go ahead free throw with 2 seconds left. After winning the game and the title, his teammates carried him off the court. He also played football on scholarship for the Valley City Vikings and he played semi-pro baseball for the Breckenridge-Wahpeton Twins. Having a dad who played football for the Vikings and baseball for the Twins always pleased his son. He also ran track, played tennis, and enjoyed a lifetime of playing golf with his son and his friends.
He graduated from Valley City State in 1959, moved to Wonder Lake, Illinois, and got a Masters degree from Northern Illinois University in 1964. His son Charlie was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, in 1965. He lived in the Chicago area until 1967, after which he moved to Minneapolis with his son and first wife Colleen Coghlan, who was also from Wahpeton. He spent the rest of his life in the Twin Cities area.
Gordy was a teacher, a salesman, and, for most of his career, an associate professor in the College of Continuing Education at the University of Minnesota. He was skilled at working with professionals to plan conferences and workshops, here and throughout the world. His friends came from all walks of life, as he had a unique ability to relate to all kinds of people.
Gordy was kind, generous, honorable, tolerant, and content with his life. He had a twinkle in his eye. He loved golf, indeed, all sports -- especially Gopher sports -- and his poker buddies, the YMCA, and going out for a beer with the boys. He especially enjoyed his grandkids, Cecilia and Simon, attending their orchestra concerts and athletic events, and teasing them. He and "Lester" had over 40 years together, and he encouraged her to be herself. Charlie was a constant in his life, and they had many good talks on the golf course.
It is a hard hard loss; the end came too quickly, but we value his time with us, and we will always remember his goodness and constancy - and that twinkle.
Memorial service is Sunday, May 27, at 2 pm, St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ, 2129 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul, 55108. Be casual - wear your gopher gear.