Gordon J. Maurer

When one of a pair of love birds dies, what the one left behind wants most in all the world is to fly away to join his soul mate. Separated for six weeks and two days, our beloved father, Gordon Joseph Maurer completed his work on earth and joined Mom on April 2, 2014.  He died as he lived – quietly and peacefully – in his home surrounded by family. Gordon was born on April 14, 1922 in Bad Axe, Michigan to Jacob and Winnifred (Block) Maurer.  The world became a better place on that day.  He was gifted with a strong moral compass, a sharp, analytical mind, a kind heart and a compassionate soul. While he was known as “the quiet one”, there was a lot of activity behind that stoic façade.  A product of the Depression, he made a commitment to himself that he would always insure that his family had enough to eat and that his bills would be paid.  Throughout his life, he lived up to that promise. Gordon attended Minden City and Ruth Elementary Schools and Ubly High School, graduating in 1939.   He was a Huron County farmer all of his work life, working his three farms and a dairy throughout his career. He also spent fifteen years at General Cable at the end of his career. His great love of the land continued on in retirement as he was known for his beautiful, productive gardens and sage wisdom in many aspects of life.  Gordon also filled his retirement with adventures in travel, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. He married the love of his life, Marjorie A. Thompson on May 17, 1947 and they were happily married for 66 years and 9 months.  Together as kindred spirits, they built a life based on mutual respect, hard work and love for each other and their family.  They were a wonderful example to us of all of the qualities that a loving, committed partnership personifies.  We will miss you, Dad, but we know that you are by Mom’s side which is exactly where you want to be. During our childhood years, he was viewed by friends and family alike as a great Dad. In our younger years, we waited until he moved his chair back from the supper table and raced to his side, hoping to be the first one to sit on his lap before he went out to complete the evening chores.  When we were older, he was there for us when we needed him but always gave us the room to try our wings. He was always there to support us when the venture was too tough.  He never gave advice unless asked. He is survived by daughters, Jan Maurer-Watkins (Glenn Watkins) of Napa, California and Pat Mausolf (Doug) of Sandusky and sons, Don (Mary) of Palms, Bob (Cherie) of Bad Axe, Bruce (Gail) of Ruth, and Joe of Whitmore Lake.   His oldest child, Joan, preceded him in death in 1997.  Gordon’s parents and four siblings, Lorenz, Lester, Carl and Rose Ann also preceded him in death. Gordon’s many qualities live on and can be seen in his fifteen grandchildren including: David Watkins (Amanda Hughes-Watkins), Chris (Sarah) Watkins, and Jessica Watkins, all of California; Erica London; Darek Maurer; Christy (Adam) Koehn; Craig (Dawn) Maurer; Carol (Josh) Quade; Jacob (Nichole) Maurer; Andy (Kayla) Maurer; Laura (Corey) Kubik; Luke Maurer; Adam Maurer; Justin Mausolf and Carly Mausolf, all of Michigan. Gordon is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren including Lulu & Mason Watkins of California and Dylan & Alex Koehn, Tate & Bryce Quade, Zach & Nick London, Caitlyn, Julia, Aislyn, Eli, Audra  & Liam Maurer all of Michigan. Gordon was a lifelong member of Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church in Ruth. It is requested that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to St. Jude Hospital for Children or a charity for children of your choice.                                                      There will be a mass of Christian burial on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. Rev. Peter Nwokoye will officiate. Visitation will be held prior to the mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Saints Peter and Paul cemetery in Ruth.