August 17, 2011

Gordon Gudmunson

Gordon "Gordie" S. Gudmunson, age 61, of Helena, Mont., passed away Aug. 6, 2011.
He was born July 16, 1950, to Gerhard and Doris (Hastings) Gudmunson in Williston, N.D., and grew up in the Watford City, N.D., area.
Gordie left home at an early age to work in the oil fields. He was employed with various ranches, he owned and operated his own exploration drilling rig and owned and operated a feed store. Gordie gathered wild horses for BLM in the Pryor Mountains for many years. He then worked for various racetracks and owned and operated the Horseshoe Originals by Gordio. Gordie was an enthusiastic entrepreneur. His principle occupation was a horse farrier and a ranch foreman. He married his soul mate, Ebbie Williams, on June 20, 2009, in Helena.
Gordie had many hobbies and interests. He trained horses and worked with cattle, was a professional storyteller, and enjoyed barbecuing. His ultimate joy was to take Ebb out to dance. Most of all, Gordie loved being with his family and friends. He also was a founding member of the Eagle Mount Riding Program and supported the Helena High School Rodeo.
Gordie was preceded in death by his father, Gerhard, and his brother, Kenny Gudmunson. He is survived by his mother, Doris; wife, Ebbie, of Helena; his children, Tony (Sharon) of Socorro, N.M.; Kelly (Patty) of Tallahassee, Fla.; Andrea (Kent) of Glendive, Mont.; CR and Cierra Kunesh of Helena; Jon (Stacy) Lamson of Hammond, Mont.; grandchildren, Kyle (Laci), Lindsey (Allen), Tyler, Katy, Camden, Shad, Anthony and Charlie; great-grandchild, Ryder; siblings, Wayne, of New Rockford, N.D.; Barbara (Bill) Mathis of Watford City; Dolly (Ted) Pfau of Minot, N.D., and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Gordon's life was held Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, at 6 p.m. in the entry hall of the grandstands at the Lewis and Clark Fairgrounds. There was a potluck reception which followed. Memorials may be sent in Gordie's name to Eagle Mount, 3400 Centennial Dr., Helena, Mont. 59601 or to the Helena High School Rodeo Team, 4000 Deal Ln., Helena, 59602.
To offer a condolence or share a memory of Gordon, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER