Gordon ‘Gus’ Herr passed away Monday, March 22, 2004 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley, WA at the age of 70 years. He was born June 6, 1933 in Silverton, Oregon the son of August J. and Mary Elizabeth Liston Herr. Gordy grew up in Silverton, Oregon attending school and later served with the US Navy during the Korean Conflict as a member of a Underwater Demolition Team later known as the Seals where he received the Purple Heart. He was married to Dona Knauf the love of his life on March 7, 1960 in Sedro-Woolley and they had just celebrated 44 years of marriage. Gordy worked as a barber before coming to Sedro-Woolley in 1959 where he began working as a LPN at Northern State Hospital for 14 years till its closure. He then began working for the Department of Social and Health Services and later as a Washington State Investigator for the Department until his retirement. Gordy was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, a charter member of the North Cross Council # 8672 Knights of Columbus, George Baldridge Post #43 American Legion, Washington State Employees Retirement Union, and was the treasurer of the Washington State Escapees Evergreen Chapter. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing cards, and most of all he liked people and enjoyed telling stories. We shall sorely miss your smiles, laughter, whistling, and warm hugs. In death as in life, Gordy was never alone; his devoted wife Dona never left his side and he spent his last days surrounded by family and many kind and loving friends. As much as we will miss him, we’re also happy that he is reunited with his daughter Dee and others he loved and cherished. You will be forever in our hearts.
Gordy is survived by his wife Dona Herr of the family home in Sedro-Woolley. 2 grandsons Richard Mansbridge Jr of Boise, ID and Gordon Mansbridge of Bemidji, MN. A sister Dolores and her husband Kenneth Blust of Salem, OR. Numerous nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends. He valued all his friendships and counted himself blessed.
A Rosary will be recited at 10:30AM with a Memorial Mass to follow on Saturday, March 27, 2004 at 11:00AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Father James Dalton as Celebrant. Military Honors will follow by George Baldridge Post #43 American Legion with a luncheon and celebration of life and rememberings to follow at the Parish Hall. Inurnment will be at St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Silverton, OR. Memorials are suggested to Skagit Valley College Foundation Nursing Program 2405 E. College Way Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Gordy by signing our online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com.