WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Gordon K. Swartzentruber, age 94, of LaGrange, died Sunday, February 16, 2025, at home. He was born in Sturgis on June 15, 1930 to Ira and Eva (Kline) Swartzentruber.
Gordon served his country in the US Army from November 1952 to November 1954. He worked on the family farm in his youth. He also found a love for fixing watches and clocks. He used those talents at Overton’s Jewelry in LaGrange. He fixed all types of clocks and watches at his residence for many years. Gordon went to work at Ross Labs in Sturgis. He would spend his remaining years working there. He worked as a chemical engineer and in the maintenance department, retiring in June of 1992. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and caring for his lawn. He was a member of the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church and sang in the church choir for many years. Gordon was known for his calm and steady demeanor.
On October 14, 1956 in LaGrange, he married Marcia D. Albro. Marcia preceded Gordon in death on September 6, 1985. Gordon remarried on June 20, 1992 at the Mt Zion Lutheran Church to Margaret (Gadson) Doering. Margaret survives Gordon in LaGrange. Also surviving are his two daughters, Diane Gonyea of LaGrange, and Lisa Tjarks of Howe; a step daughter, Michelle Kemper of Fishers, IN; and two step sons, Jeff Doering of St. Louis, and Mark Doering of Constantine; three grandchildren, Brooke (Mike) Richardson of Mongo, IN, Adam Tjarks and Seth Tjarks both of Howe, three step grandchildren, Brent Doering of Denver, John Kemper of Indianapolis, and Amber Meczkowski of St. Louis, and a great granddaughter, Sunshine Richardson.
A viewing will be held from 12-noon 2 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, 797 N Detroit St., LaGrange. Funeral services will follow the viewing at 2:00 at the church with Rev. Dana Stonebraker officiating the services.
Cremation will take place after the services and Gordon’s cremains will be buried at Riverside Cemetery with his first wife at a later date.
Memorials may be given in Gordon’s memory to the Mt. Zion Lutheran Church.
Arrangements by Frurip-May Funeral Home.
