"I have so many fond memories of visiting my Grandparents next door/farm to Gordon and Cleo, and bringing Aunt Mildred to family occasions. Gordon was always so full of life and joy, he always made me feel like a special person. I am sorry myself and my mother were unable to attend the services due to the current situation. You are all in my prayers. Sincerely, Dorae (Gerard) Rippey"
In loving memory of
Gordon E Heitshusen
April 30, 1929 - May 20, 2020
Williamsburg-Gordon E. Heitshusen was born April 30, 1929 near South Amana, Iowa. He was the son of Edwin and Mildred (Koester) Heitshusen. He was baptized on May 26, 1929 and confirmed on June 13, 1943 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Gordon attended Immanuel Parochial School and graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1948. Gordon was united in marriage to Cleo L. Stahl on December 16, 1950 at the Immanuel Parsonage. Gordon served in the United States Army from 1951-1959, during the Korean War. Gordon and Cleo made their home on the family farm where they raised their two daughters. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and had served on several council positions. He was on the board of directors for Conroy Co-op and an active member of the Iburg Poulson VFW Post #8797 in Williamsburg. After retiring from the farm Gordon worked at the Williamsburg Foods. He enjoyed being with his family, playing cards attending Raider athletic events and visiting with people. Gordon passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at the age of 91.
He is survived by two daughters, Carole (Randy) Von Ahsen of Williamsburg and Kaye (Damon) Adair of Perry; five grandchildren, Trent (Hayley) Von Ahsen, Tiffany (Brandon) Wenner, Bryce (Morgan) Von Ahsen, Cole (Jenny) Adair and Quinn (Lauren) Adair; 10 great grandchildren, Tate, Harper, Mason, Emerson, Max, Luke, Drew, Will, Davis and Graham; a sister, Janet O'Brien of North English and a sister-in-law, Maralyn (Tom) Slaymaker of Williamsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Cleo, a sister Fern Tschopp and husband Wayne and a brother-in-law, Don O'Brien.
Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 am on Monday, May 25, 2020 at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Williamsburg. Visitation will be Sunday, May 24, 2020 from 1:30 to 5:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. (Please practice social distancing.) Burial will be at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery with military rites by the Iburg Poulson VFW Post #8797. Memorials are for Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lutheran Interparish School or Williamsburg High School Athletics. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com
Tributes
"Our deepest sympathy. Your father was a great man. We enjoyed talking to him anytime we ran into him. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Scott and Andrea Huedepohl "
"So sorry for your loss. Gordon was such a positive man. We enjoyed visiting with him during so many of the athletic advents we attended. His smile and interest in everyone and everything will be missed. Our sympathy to the family Terry and Ardith Housman"
"Carole and Kaye so sorry for your loss. His smile, love for his family, and love for his country will be remembered. The many memories that you had with your dad will be of comfort in the days ahead. Love to all. Steve & Jan Slaymaker "
"Gordon was truly a great man. A man who lived with a high degree of honor and principals. A great American for sure. It is apropos that he is being buried on Memorial Day and the nation's flag happens to be at half mast. He always said that he loved to always keep learning. He had so many interesting stories to tell. He and Cleo raised a wonderful family . I'm sure that he has a smile a mile wide in heaven as he is reunited with his beloved Cleo. Who could ever forget Cleo's laugh; it was so wonderful.? From Parke O'Brien"
"Carole and Kaye their are so many memories rushing through my head right now. We grew up together being cousins and just a holler distance away. We both lived on farms that our Grandpa Heitshusens (Brothers Edwin and Adolph) built and farmed. Standing on fences hollering "Can you come over?" echoes in my memory. Our Families continued the plant ant harvest seasons together, : ) as well as the raccoons that tried to steal our chickens!( Your Dad was always a staple for morning conversation and a cup of coffee in my house, especially when my Mom was a care giver for my Dad. Your Mom and him loved to be able to trip my curiosity. Ahhhhh!))))))))) So many GOOD Memories. During this uncertain time of distance socializing, my age, and prior internal physical adjustments, I am sending my sincere virtual hugs and prayerful thoughts to his daughters, Carole (Randy) Von Ahsen of Williamsburg and Kaye (Damon) Adair of Perry; five grandchildren, Trent (Hayley) Von Ahsen, Tiffany (Brandon) Wenner, Bryce (Morgan) Von Ahsen, Cole (Jenny) Adair and Quinn (Lauren) Adair; 10 great grandchildren, Tate, Harper, Mason, Emerson, Max, Luke, Drew, Will, Davis and Graham; a sister, Janet O'Brien of North English and a sister-in-law, Maralyn (Tom) Slaymaker of Williamsburg ? ALL of Gordon's Family and Friends. LOVE, Kella Jane "
"I had the pleasure of getting to know Gordon while working with him at Williamsburg Foods. After he retired from the grocery store he would come in to visit those of us still working there. I enjoyed many conversations with him about our beloved sports teams!!! He was a very kind man who cared about others. I am going to miss chatting with him. You all have my deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace."
"My Daughter and I knew Gordon for only one day. We accompanied him to and from D.C. during his Honor Flight in October 2013. My Daughter was his Guardian for the day. We both enjoyed our limited experience with him. I wish I could have known him much longer."
"So sorry for your loss. Gordon was a great person and will be missed by many. He was so interesting to talk to and was always kind and happy. My parents enjoyed their time with him with the VFW. Hugs to all."
"Many condolences to your family on your father and grandfather's passing. Gordon was always ready with a hello greeting when we'd see each other. Keep your memories close."
"Carole and Kaye and family, our prayers and thoughts are with you all. I so enjoyed the times when I made it back home to the area, and got to visit with Gordon. My first memory of Gordon was of him playing baseball for the Williamsburg town team. He inspired many a young baseball player. He and Cleo were super great peo ple. God bless as you remember and celebrate his life. Gordon and Kathy von Ahsen -from Harlan, Iowa (son of Orv and Liz von Ahsen"
"So sorry to hear of Gordons passing. Enjoyed seeing him and visiting with him when he would stop at The Paper Factory, when I was running that store. We always had a good visit and catch up on the families doings. Gordon was a blessing to all that knew him. Heaven gained another awesome angel. Our deepest sympathy ."
"My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Gordon Heitshusen.
He was a wonderful person neighbour and fellow VFW member I was Blessed to have known him and I know he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Thank you, Gordon, for your service to Our Country and the community."