Gordon Thomas Dethmers

Gordon Dethmers passed away at Pillars Hospice Center in Oakdale, MN on April 1, 2026.

Gordon was born in Slayton, MN on March 19, 1933 to Claer and Miriam Dethmers. He was the 4th of six children and grew up in southern Minnesota.

He entered the US Army, attended Dunwoody College in Minneapolis and Macalester college in St. Paul. He became Civil Engineer in the Twin Cities area and was proud of the many projects that he worked on during his career.

He met his wife Susan at Macalester and they were married in Taylors Falls, MN on June 17, 1961. They were married for 50 years until her passing in 2011.

Gordon was active man whose passions included bike riding, swimming, dancing, and a good conversation. He rode over 100,000 miles in his life including over 700 miles last summer at age 92.

He spent his last years with his partner Shirley Hagle. They were very active in the local dance community and loved going to dances and taking a turn around the dance floor. We are thankful for the happiness he found with Shirley.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 siblings, Claereda, Richard, Vincent, and Sylvia. He is survived by his partner, Shirley Hagle; his 3 children, Tom (David) of Ft. Worth, Lynne (Dave) of St. Mary’s Point, Janna (Jon) of St. Paul, MN; 2 grandchildren, Rusik and Anya; 1 great grandchild, Leihlani; and his brother, David (Johanna).

The family would like to thank the Hagle family, Accent Care, and The Pillars for their wonderful care of Gordon in his final months. He will be missed by his family and friends.

There will be a celebration of Gordon’s life on June 22, 2026 (10:30 celebration, lunch immediately after) at Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center – Spring Lake Park Preserve – 8395 127th St. E., Hastings, MN 55033. This will be a relaxed gathering where we can share stories, smiles, and maybe a few happy tears. Feel free to bring a favorite photo, memory, or anything that reminds you of Gordy.