Gordon L. Loots 1950-2024

LOOTS

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 12/23/2024 at 12:23:48

Gordon Lynn Loots
(February 16, 1950 - January 30, 2024)

Gordon Lynn was born in Fort Dodge to Ray C. and Dorris L. Bischoff Loots on February 16, 1950. He grew up on a farm between Palmer and Pomeroy and cared for dairy cattle and farmed. He also worked for area farmers baling hay and walking beans. Gordon enjoyed riding his horse to the nearby Peters family farm where he’d hang out with Phil, Chuck, Galen, and Arlene. In his early education, Gordon was the only one in his class at a one room rural school. He entered third grade at the Pomeroy Community School and graduated from there in 1968. In high school, Gordon enjoyed playing the center on the football team. He learned to weld at Seehusen’s Welding Shop after school. He also worked at Reeder’s Oil Company and at Jack Satern’s downtown restaurant. When not working, Gordon enjoyed riding around with older friends or playing pool. After graduation, Gordon worked at Coats Manufacturing in Fort Dodge. After a welding accident, he moved to Fort Dodge and worked at the Singer Co. selling and repairing sewing machines. On July 1, 1972, Gordon married Cynthia M. Hansen at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pomeroy. After one year in Fort Dodge, they moved to Estherville where Gordon worked for Hugh Levi in his Singer store. The couple returned to Pomeroy and Gordon began working for Cindy’s dad, Wayne, at Hansen Manufacturing (later renamed Hansco, Inc.). He used his welding skills in manufacturing livestock equipment. Gordon also served on the city council and on the volunteer fire department in Pomeroy. He moved into sales and loved the connections he made all over the state. Spencer’s Clay County Fair was the longest running fair he attended, to show, and sell livestock equipment. He enjoyed fishing on Lake Okoboji in the evenings after the fair. During Gordon and Cindy’s early years of marriage, their children, Douglas Wyatt, Ryan Michael, Audra Marie, and Nicholas Ray were born. When Nick was thirteen, Gordon and Cindy welcomed twelve-year-old Dustin Thompson into their home and later adopted him. Gordon was hired by Osborne Industries of Osborne, Kansas as an Iowa territory salesman. He won many outstanding achievement awards in sales. With Osborne Ind. Gordon became a “ventilation expert”. Later in his career, Gordon was hired by a puppy distributor, Hunte Corporation in Neosho, MO. Ventilation sales and installation took Gordon to pet stores all over the United States and Canada. After several years of travel, Gordon left Hunte Corporation, returned to Pomeroy, and worked one fall as a seasonal employee with NEW Cooperative. The Pomeroy Care Center administration then hired him as maintenance director. Gordon enjoyed that job because he could see his mother every day and he loved the residents. After several years at the facility, Gordon retired. Gordon and Cindy enjoyed following vocal music, band, and year-around sports activities of their five children. Doug, Ryan, and Audra were members of the Pomeroy-Palmer jazz band state champions. Gordon proudly watched all five of their children play in state championship basketball games. Although Gordon was often on the road traveling for work during those high school years, he rarely missed his children’s activities. Gordon’s most memorable vacations were traveling to Minnesota, South Dakota, and Canada to fish with family and friends. His Alaskan trip with Doug and Nick was one he referenced often. He enjoyed hunting pheasant and deer with family and friends. Gordon’s only trip to Europe was when he and Cindy took a cruise up the Seine River in France to attend the WWII 75th D-day invasion anniversary. Gordon enjoyed outdoor hobbies such as mowing lawns and moving snow for others around town. He assisted with many “jobs” at church such as helping Cindy with seasonal decorations, assisting at funerals and other “behind the scenes” duties. They joined a group of community members who met weekly to do landscaping and other “small acts of kindness” around Pomeroy. Gordon and Cindy enjoyed summertime convertible rides to restaurants and wineries with their friends. They often traveled to grandchildren’s school and sport activities and enjoyed family camping vacations to King’s Pointe. Grandchildren’s summer visits in Pomeroy were a special family time. Although Gordon was a quiet person by nature, he was a hardworking, humble, and thoughtful individual. Even when he was sick, Gordon never missed watching the 8:00 church service on TV every Sunday morning. His proudest accomplishments were when he could help others in need. He became a “father figure” to a few individuals and willingly took them “under his wing”. Gordon considered simple things as his greatest gifts. Gordon is survived by his wife, Cindy, his children Doug (Colette) of West Des Moines (Brayton, Lauren, Rowan); Ryan (Mikhael) of Omaha (Oliver, Emily); Audra (Matthew) Meyer of Clive (Isaac, Michael); Nick of Pomeroy; and Dustin (Kristin) Thompson (Ella, Kaylee, Beau) also of Pomeroy; sister Lila Loots of Highlands Ranch, CO; and brother Roger (Ann) Loots of Broomfield, CO. Gordon is also survived by sisters-in-law Sherry (Tom) Kutz, Holt, MO; Mary (Karl) Moeller, Kearney, MO; and brother-in-law, John (Debbie) Hansen, Cedar Rapids, IA, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Two additional special individuals in Gordon’s life were Keith Thompson and Tina Annicchiarico. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Dorris Loots, his sister and brother-in-law Juanita and Roger Becker, his sister Judy Putnam Klotz, his nieces Cindy Becker Jepsen and Carla Putnam Edwards, his nephew Lynn Becker, and his father and mother-in-law, Wayne E. and Bernadine Hansen. Although Gordon’s cancer diagnosis took him on a journey of continuous surrender of what is often taken for granted in life, he never complained. He was especially grateful to his family who graciously gave of their time to care for him for four months so he could remain in his home. He appreciated the visits, words of encouragement, cards, and small gifts from others. Gordon enjoyed the visits from his spiritual directors, Father Lynn, Father Brian, and Father Jim. The family thanks Gentiva Hospice nurses, aides, and spiritual director, Father Brian. They were extremely helpful to the entire family during this time. Gordon and his family greatly appreciated each simple act of kindness shown toward them throughout Gordon’s life journey. Copyright Lampe & Powers Funeral Home, (712) 464-7665, www.powersfh.net