Funeral Services for Gordon Cofer, age 87 of Carson, will be held at 10:00am MT, Friday, September 2, 2011 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Carson with Pastor Rose Trenbeath officiating. Burial will be at 3:00pm CT Friday afternoon at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery south of Mandan with full military honors afforded by the Walter J. Thome American Legion Post #45 of Carson.

Visitation will be held at 5:30 p.m. CT, Thursday evening at the Elm Crest Manor in New Salem with a family service to follow at 6:30 p.m. CT.
Also one hour prior to the service on Friday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Carson.

Gordon Albert Cofer was born at the August Truede farm at Blue Grass, ND on May 7, 1924. He was the 3rd son of John and Verna (Cochrane) Cofer. Gordon walked to the country grade school about a mile from his farm, and then attended New Salem High School. Because of hardships, Gordon had to quit school, but many years later he was awarded an honorary diploma through a special veteran's program.


In 1944 Gordon was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in the South Pacific during WWII. He was part of the re-occupation of the Philippines, and was stationed there when the A-bomb was dropped. In 2010 Gordon was able to go on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC to see the beautiful memorials of our nation.


After returning to North Dakota from his Army duties, Gordon married the girl of his life, Ramona Schreiber, on August 31, 1948. To this union there were 4 children.


Gordon and Ramona began a farming career on the family farm at Blue Grass, and then moved to Grant County in 1954. Because of the decline in farming economy during that time, Gordon took the job as bin site supervisor for the Grant County ASCS office. He later became the owner of the Idle Hour Bar in Carson. Gordon was also a very dedicated business man, who gave many hours of volunteer time to various organizations in the community.


Gordon and Ramona were wonderful parents – they never missed activities, and always opened up their home to their children's friends as well. Gordon treasured his time spent with grandchildren and great grandchildren, not only was he "Grandpa Gordon" to his family members, but to many others too.

Gordon always kept busy during his retirement. He loved to fish, and the 1st day of hunting season was like Christmas to him. He also was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan, plus he looked forward to his nights in the Old Timers Pool League every week during the winters. Gordon was designated as the "unofficial photographer" at all activities in the Carson area, and always made "doubles" to share.


Gordon's last 10 months were spent as a resident at the Elm Crest Manor in New Salem – since he was born and raised in that area, he got reacquainted with old friends, and made many new ones. He loved the staff there, and had such wonderful care. Gordon seemed to make lasting friendships wherever he went – he would have probably quoted a Will Rogers saying, "A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet!"


Gordon passed away on Monday, August 29, 2011 at the Elm Crest Manor in New Salem, ND.


Grateful for having shared in his life are his children, Rocklyn (Sheila) Cofer, Dickinson, ND, Colin ( Rebecca) Cofer, Colfax, ND, Robbyn (Jerry) Weinberger, Breien, ND, and Becky (Tom) Hauge, Carson, ND; brothers, Alfred (Bernie) Cofer, New Salem, ND, and Wayne (Stacey) Cofer, New Salem, ND, and step-brother, Bill Hoherz, Jamestown, ND; sisters, Loni (Earl) Bittner, Bismarck, ND and Jackie Tompkins, Almont, ND; 13 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.


Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ramona; brothers, Vincent, Arden, Jack and Dale; step-brother, Jim Hoherz; sisters, Jean and Dorothy; and two grandchildren, Jordan Hauge and Jason Weinberger.