Gordon M. Fugle

GORDON M. FUGLE, 85 a lifelong resident of the Devils Lake area died on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Gordon will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Jeff Nicla will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars; Lake Region Honor Guard, Camp Grafton; North Dakota Military Funerals Honor Team; Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Music will be provided by Harold Ovre, soloist and Lynda Pearson, organist. Serving as Casket Bearers will be Andy Fugle, Duane Carter, Larry Hatten, Bob Hatten, Michael Boehmer and Brent Carter. Honorary Bearers will be Robert Borho, Harold Nilep, Louise Oleson, Trudy Jaeger, VFW Color Guard and the Forty & Eight. Gordon Merlin was born on September 27, 1924 in Poplar Grove Township, rural Devils Lake the son of Joseph M. and Laura (Christiansen) Fugle. He was raised in the Poplar Grove area and attended school in Poplar Grove, St. Mary’s Academy, Devils Lake and Fort Totten Public School. Gordon was united in marriage to Eileen C. Hatten on May 14th, 1944 at Devils Lake, ND. They established their home in Devils Lake where they lived, worked and raised their daughter, Judith. Gordon entered the United States Army on September 21, 1944 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He served his country during World War II with the 382nd Infantry Regiment in the Philippines, Asiatic Pacific Theater and was also in the Battle of Okinawa. Gordon was honorably discharged on November 16, 1946 at Camp Beale, California. Gordon returned to his family in Devils Lake and made this his home his entire life. Gordon worked various jobs in his lifetime including Harrington Brothers Livestock Company, Lake Region Auction Market, Northern Seed and Feed Company and worked part-time dealing blackjack. During his working years and even after retirement, Gordon filled his hours helping in many community projects. Gordon was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, the Eagles and Elks Lodges. He was a life member of the VFW, a sixty plus year member of the American Legion, a member of the 40 & 8 and also served with the VFW Honor Guard until the time of his death. Gordon was well known for the many birdhouses he built for family and friends. He enjoyed gardening, dancing and playing cards. He made a special effort to visit his family on the West Coast every year when possible. Family meant everything to Gordon and he was so thankful to have his daughter and family close. Gordon will be truly missed and forever loved. Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Eileen; daughter, Judy and her husband, Mark MacDonald; grandchildren, Michelle and her husband, Roger Fritz; Darin MacDonald and his wife, Stacy, Heather and her husband, Dan Kraft all of Devils Lake; great grandchildren, Gregory Fritz, Rachel Fritz-Beth MacDonald-Aubrie Kraft; sister, Ruth O’Connell of Walnut Creek, California; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Agnes Fugle, Sandy, Oregon, Irma and Duane Carter, Larry and Elda Hatten all of Devils Lake; Many nieces, nephews and their families also survive. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and four sisters