Gordon James Oliver, 83, of Kendall died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, at his home, as he wished.
He was born Sept. 20, 1928, in La Crosse to John and Cornelia (Miller) Oliver. In June 1951, he was united in marriage to Jeanne Marie Whitcomb in Tucson, Ariz.
After serving 16 years on active duty in the Air Force, they moved to a farm near Kendall. Then, after leaving the farm, he worked as the patrolman for the Township of Glendale until he retired in 1993. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and carpentry, and his children and grandchildren were the happy recipients of his work. He was also deeply involved in the Kendall American Legion and was its adjutant for 25 years.
Gordon is survived by his six children, Susan Oliver and Phyllis Press of Kendall, Pastor John (Julie) Oliver of Spring Green, Wis., Mary (Mark) Flock of Sparta, Laurie (Ron) Oliver-Boyd of Rosemount, Minn., and Jane Oliver (special friend Leonard DeBerry) of Jamestown, Ohio; his grandchildren, Petty Officer 3rd Class Michelle Press, Michael Press (fiancée Joni Hennig), Captain Kristin (SFC Shane) Boustany, Meagan (Dr. Jason) Fandrey, Seth Oliver (special friend Leesa Brown), Lucas Oliver, Chelsea (Nate) Parker, Chynna Flock, Tristan Oliver-Boyd (fiancée Charlotte Picone), Mackenzie Oliver-Boyd, Aidan Oliver-Boyd, Tasha Anderson and Maia Anderson; his great-grandchildren, Addyson Boustany, Kendyl Parker, Landyn Press and Oliver Fandrey; his step-great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Boustany and Gavyn Novak; his sister, Helen Kerska; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Cornelia Oliver; his beloved wife, Jeanne Marie; and a great-grandchild, Rileigh Lynn Parker.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kendall. Pastor John Oliver and Father Richard Dickman will officiate. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, with military honors. Relatives and friends are invited to call at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kendall, from 4–8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to services Wednesday. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, Kendall, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
