GORDEN, Michael R. 1942-2003

GORDEN, WILTSE, OSTEN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/2/2009 at 13:12:47

DELTONA, FL--Michael R. Gorden, 60, a truck driver for Transport American of Eagan, Minn., and formerly of Charles City,, died at his home in Deltona, Fla., on August 6, 2003.

Born in Minneapolis on September 8, 1942, Gorden was a 1961 graduate of Charles City High School. During his junior year, in 1960, he was the Iowa state wrestling champion at 165 pounds. Throughout the rest of his life, he was actively involved in Judo as well, becoming a sandan and earning his 3rd degree black belt. He was also a lifelong practitioner of the Church of Christ, Scientist.

Following high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He then lived in St. Paul, Minn., until 1997, when he moved to Florida.

Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Karla, of 2506 Dumas Dr., Deltona, Fla., 32739; a son, Derrick, St. Paul; a daughter, Mercedes Gorden, Minneapolis; two brothers, David, Apple Valley, Minn., and Richard, Des Moines; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Sally and Lawrence Wiltse, and by his grandparents, Frank and Selma Osten, Osage.

The family requests that any memorials be made to the United States Judo Association, 21 North Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80909, or to any nearby Christian Science Reading Room.