Union Grove – Gordon Edward Svendsen Sr., 77, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, 2011 surrounded with the love of his children.
Gordon was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on June 20, 1934 to the late Peter and Minnie (nee: Bell) Svendsen. He graduated from William Horlick High School in 1964. Gordon lived in Racine most of his life before moving to Union Grove in 2006.
On September 1, 1956, at St. Edward Catholic Church, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Monica May (nee: Zenner) Svendsen. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by ComEd of Illinois as an engineer.
Gordon was a member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. He had also been a member of Kiwanis. Among his interests, Gordon enjoyed traveling – especially on back country roads; solving crossword puzzles; researching family genealogy; proudly watching his two grandsons play for the Racine Raiders; and reminiscing about the good-old-days. Above all, Gordon loved being in the surroundings of his entire family.
Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Monica; children, Gordon (Terri) Svendsen Jr. and Elizabeth “Liz” Kauffman; grandchildren, Chad (Katie) Svendsen and Dustin Svendsen; great-grandchildren, Jaden and Mason Svendsen; Austin Svendsen; and Ethan Rafel, all of Union Grove; brother, Richard Svendsen; brothers-in-law, Donald (Ruth) Zenner and Lloyd Thornton; sister-in-law, Frances Pivek; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and too many friends to mention by name.
In addition to his parents, Gordon was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jack Kauffman; sisters, Verdonna (Marty) Kosiba, Gloria (Dave) Norby, and Karen Thornton; Monica’s parents, Frank and Cecelia Zenner; and brother-in-law, Richard Pivek.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 7:00 pm in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. M.A. Miritz officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 5-7 pm. Private interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park.
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