Ray Charles VanGorder 1919-2009

ROFFMAN, VANGORDER, RUSSELL

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 8/3/2009 at 10:55:19

Ray Charles VanGorder

Ray Charles Van Gorder, 90, of Postville died Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Center, Waukon following a brief illness. Memorial Services were held Monday, June 22 at the Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville. Inurnment was in Minert Cemetery, rural Postville.

Ray was born April 6, 1919 in Franklin Township, Allamakee County to Henry and Jennie (Roffman) Van Gorder. He attended Evergreen Country School through the eighth grade and worked on the family farm and did odd jobs in the area. Ray loved to play pool.

Ray farmed for many years in the Forest Mill area in rural Postville. From 1937 to 1939, he worked at the New Albin sawmill during the winter months. In 1939, Ray lost his arm in a car accident. He continued farming and also worked with M.C. Deering, Earl Miller and various sawmills in the Postville area. Ray enjoyed gun shows and was a member of the National Rifle Association.

Survivors include his many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Elmer Van Gorder; and one sister, Verla Russell.

The Waukon Standard, June 24, 2009
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