Lyle Gene Gorder

CANBY–Lyle Gene Gorder, age 95, of Canby, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at the Sanford Canby Medical Center. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby, MN. Burial will be in the St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Canby. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28th with a 7 p.m. Prayer service at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN. Visitation will resume Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Lyle Gene Gorder was born on September 24, 1930 to Morris John Gorder and Bertha Caroline (Ufkin) Gorder in Canby, Minnesota. Lyle started life as a town boy, and moved to the farm when he was eight. He spent the rest of the years on the family farm with his sisters Loraine and Joanie. He attended school in Canby and graduated in 1948. Before he settled into farming, he spent four years serving his country in the United States Air Force. Those years shaped him; they taught him discipline, pride, and the value of service, qualities that stayed with him all his life. When his service ended he returned home to Canby and began farming. Shortly after, Lyle met Joey and found his partner for life. They were married on September 22,1956 at St John’s Lutheran Church in Omro Township. Many busy years followed as they raised four children while establishing their farming business. He also fed cattle, which led to many cattle sales that he enjoyed with friends. In his children, he planted a work ethic that will last for generations, lessons learned in early mornings, shared chores, and the pride of harvest.

Beyond his own fields, he served the community. He was active in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and served in various positions. He also served on the Canby Hospital Board, Production Credit Association Board, Canby Elevator Board, and Midwest Cattleman’s Board. He enjoyed the lasting friendships made serving on these boards.

At the heart of his life was his family. Lyle was a devoted husband to Joey, a true partner in every sense of the word. It was a love built on faith, laughter, and mutual respect, a love that grounded their family and gave it strength. He was a proud father and grandfather, teaching by example the values of faith, integrity and hard work.

Some of the families most special memories were made at Lake Cochrane. He loved the time spent there, weekends filled with family, friends and fun. He loved fishing and the grandkids loved fishing with him. When they would catch a fish they would often ask, “Grandpa, is this a keeper?” There was a peacefulness at the lake that came from the waves, the sun, the wind, and being surrounded by family and friends.

After retirement, Lyle and Joey spent many wonderful winters in Arizona with dear friends, golfing, playing cards, swimming and exploring the area. Those times were filled with laughter and new memories that they cherished deeply.

He loved the simple joys of life, particularly a good days work, a meal with family and friends, and rides to check the crops.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Loraine Reynolds, brothers-in-law Bud Reynolds and Ron Goettsch, his father and mother-in-law, Otto and Emma Wiegers, sisters-in-law Florence Werner and Muriel Wiegers, brother-in-law Leon Werner.

Lyle is survived by his wife Joan, children: Jon (Carol) Gorder, Mary (Earl) Thrasher, Mark (Nancy) Gorder, and Tom (Amy) Gorder; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Tony) Reiss, Dot and Josephine; Cassie (Wyatt) Branham, Mesa and Hazer; Tony (Liz) Gorder, and Florence; Katie (Jay) Lohmann, and Aker; Zach (Moriah) Gorder, Braxton and Beckham; Taylor (Cole) Brusven, Rory and Jace; Bryce Gorder and fiancé Kendra Eichten; Mya (Josh) Steffen; sister Joan Goettsch and his nieces and nephews.

His family takes comfort in knowing that the fields he tended may now rest, but the seeds he planted in his family, his faith, and his community will continue to grow for generations.