Gordon Earl Gymer, age 76, of Newton, IA, and formerly of Coon Rapids, IA, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids with Rev. Angelo Luis officiating. Casket bearers will be Parker Greving, Justin Gymer, David Wagner, Joe Greving, Jason Koch, Brandon Godwin, Greg Gymer, and Jon Gymer.
Visitation will be held at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids on Friday from 5 – 7 P.M. Additional visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 A.M. – 10:15 A.M. on Saturday prior to the service.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be made directly to the Coon Rapids EMS Association, located at 123 3rd Avenue South, Coon Rapids, Iowa 50058.
Gordon was born on September 3, 1948, on his family’s farm near Coon Rapids. The son of Beryl and Gurtha (Brown) Gymer, he grew up immersed in the values of hard work and determination. After graduating from Coon Rapids High School in 1966, he attended Creston Community College from 1966 to 1967, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. He worked in Minnesota from 1967 to 1975, learning the craft of carpentry under the guidance of his uncle, Gurney Brown.
In 1975, Gordon returned to Coon Rapids to pursue his dream, founding Gordon’s Carpentry, which he owned and operated until 1991. On January 31, 1970, he married Connie Olesen at the First Christian Church in Coon Rapids, solidifying a bond built on love and support. After retiring from carpentry in 1991, Gordon devoted 15 years to serving his community as an EMT for Coon Rapids Ambulance Association. His commitment to helping others was a true testament to his compassionate nature. He continued to expand his horizons by attending the Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Wellness from 1991 to 1993. This led to the creation of Connections Massage Therapy in Des Moines, where he balanced his passion for healing with daily commutes from Coon Rapids. Gordon officially retired in 2020 but continued sharing his massage therapy gift from home. Gordon was fiercely proud of his grandchildren. Whether they were playing on the field, court, or stage, in his eyes, they were the best.
Gordon is survived by his wife Connie of Newton; his four children and their families: son Scott Gymer (Hannah) of Greenfield, daughter Deanna Greving (Joe) of Johnston, daughter Jana Koch (Jason) of Bettendorf, and son Shawn Gymer (Amanda) of Grimes; ten grandchildren: Amber Godwin (Brandon), Justin Gymer, Courtney Gymer, Baylee (fiancé Tyler Kress), Brix Carstens (Jackson), Parker Greving, Ava Greving, Grace Koch, Lily Gymer, and Mabel Gymer; two great-grandchildren: Adalynn Godwin and Lincoln Godwin; a brother Gary Gymer (Diane) of Battle Creek, MI; two brothers-in-law: Mike Olesen of Omaha and Nick Olesen of Coon Rapids; a sister-in-law Marcia Gymer of Coon Rapids; and several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Beryl and Gurtha Gymer; his father and mother-in-law Harry Jr. and Evelyn Olesen; a brother Doyle Gymer; a sister Donna Wagner – Nicodemus (Paul); brother-in-law Bill Wagner and his beloved dog, Spike, a golden retriever.
