Ishpeming- Gordon Waldemar Elson, age 86 of 601 Cooper Lake Rd, Ishpeming, passed away Monday, March 31, 2014 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette where he been a resident since July 2013.

Gordon was born March 22, 1928 in Ishpeming to Waldemar T. & Gladys (Magnuson) Elson.  He graduated from Ishpeming High School, and graduated from the University of Michigan, School of Business.  Gordy served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Gordy was a business owner, owning and operating H.W. Elson Bottling Works which his family started in the late 1800's.  Elson Bottling Works owned the Coca Cola franchise in Marquette until 1989 when he sold the business. Gordy was a member of the Peninsula Bank Board serving from 1970, served as Chairman from 1990 through 1998 and retired from the Board in 1999.  Gordy was charitable to many organizations over the years, especially to the United Evangelical Covenant Church where he was a member, the Ishpeming High Schools- Peterson Auditorium and Suomi College (Finlandia University).  He was a life member of the Ishpeming ELKS Lodge #447, the Ahmed Shriners, and many other local organizations through out his life.

As a young man Gordy was interested in boat racing and boating.  He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and a season ticket holder for many years.  He enjoyed traveling and attended many Super Bowls.  Later in life he looked forward to spending time in Florida in the winter months.

Gordy is survived longtime friends and care giver George Paavo of Negaunee.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Catherine Elson in 1989, Uncles William (Raunie) Elson, Walfred Elson, Aunts Tyyne & Hulda Elson and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Gordy will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the United Evangelical (Mission) Covenant Church in Ishpeming with Rev. Karen Hinz officiating.

A visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 1:00pm until the time of service at 2:00pm.

Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .