Gordon Donald Gummer

Gordon Donald Gummer, 78, Mandan, died August 31, 2007, at his home with his loving wife and daughter by his side. Gordon was born on October 13, 1928, at Mayville, the son of Goodman and Della (Nelson) Gummer. He was raised on the family farm south of Mayville. He attended grade school and high school in Mayville, graduating in 1946. In high school, Gordon was active in football, basketball, choir and band. He attended Mayville State University. On Sept 5, 1954, he married Shirley Brown. They were blessed with two children, Gary and Rae Ann. Gordon farmed all his life, and with his son through 1992. He grew small, grains, beans, sunflowers and raised beef cattle. From 1959-1972, Gordon and Shirley owned the Comet Lanes bowling alley. During this time, Gordon became an avid and very competitive bowler. Gordon retired from farming in 1998. Gordon was very active in his community, serving on the city commission, city public library board, the Mayville Lutheran Church council, President of the Mayville State Quarterback Club, and served on the search team for college athletic coaches. Gordon felt very strongly about education, and was a loyal supporter of Mayville State University. He was very active in the District 20 Republican party, and served as treasurer for many years. He was also a member of the Mayville-Portland Booster Club, Eagles Club, Masons and he was a Shriner. After retiring from farming, Gordon and Shirley moved to Mandan, ND in August of 1999 to be near their daughter, and her family. Gordon loved politics and the political process. During the 2001 and 2003 Legislative Sessions, Gordon worked for the Senate, a job he truly enjoyed. Some of Gordon’s favorite activities were playing bridge, reading, volunteering, and at the top of his list, watching his grandchildren in their extracurricular activities and refereeing the basketball games from the bleachers. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Shirley, Mandan; a daughter Rae Ann (Thomas) Kelsch, Mandan; 5 grandchildren, Rachelle (Shawn) Fettig, Detroit Lakes MN; Aaron Gummer, Hammond LA; Zachary, Alexander, and Cassandra Kelsch, Mandan; great-grandchild Marnie Fettig, Detroit Lakes MN; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary, his parents, his father and mother-in-law Kenneth and Aagot (Heramb) Brown, and brother-in-law Howard (Buster) Brown. FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 4, 2007 at Mayville Lutheran Church, Mayville, ND. VISITATION: Monday from 6-8 PM at the Baker Funeral Home, Mayville, ND, and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. BURIAL: Mayville Cemetery, Mayville, ND. There will be a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 8, at Mandan First Presbyterian Church, Mandan.