With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gordon Dale Deml, age 89, of La Crosse WI, Tuesday, 21 May 2024.

Gordy was born on 29 June 1934 in Seneca WI; he was the tenth child of John and Lotus (Shubert) Deml’s eleven children. Gordy attended Aquinas High School before joining the U.S. Marine Corps, serving 1954 to 1957. He then moved to Milwaukee where he worked at American Motors, owned a gas station/auto repair shop, and finished his career at the City of Milwaukee as a heavy duty mechanic, retiring in 1994.

Gordy met his bride when his best friend, Pete Muehr, set him up on a blind double date to see the ‘risque’ movie, “Blazing Saddles” in 1974 and they spent the next fifty years together.  On 26 June 1976, he and Bonnie Jean Dillon were married at Holy Trinity Church in La Crosse and on that day, he became the treasured bonus dad to Bonnie’s daughter, Teresa (Reese).

Upon retirement, Gordy and Bonnie returned to God’s Country, settling on French Island. With their free time, they enjoyed traveling, boating, fishing, occasional casino visiting, watching cowboy movies, card and sudoku playing, and finally, after waiting a long time, their cherished grandchildren. Military service was a point of pride with the nine Deml brothers, all were veterans. Gordy proudly participated in a Freedom Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2012 with his brothers Carl and Don. A red MOPAR guy to the very end, he bought his last speedy, flame red Jeep in January. Gentle teasing was one of Gordy’s many skills and even on the last day of his life, he was giving ‘the business’ to the care staff at Gundersen-Lutheran Hospital.

Gordy is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie, and her daughter, Teresa (Reese) Dillon Brenengen (Tony) with their children Nathaniel (Nate) Brenengen and Eva Lucia (Lucy) Brenengen. He is further survived by two brothers, Richard (Dick) and Carl, as well as, his ‘adored’ little sister, Ramona (Mona) Colera, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gordy is predeceased by his parents John and Lotus Deml, six brothers John, Robert, Ray, Norman, Don, Earl Deml and one sister, Lavon Brague.

As Gordy wished, there will be no formal services. If desired, donations may be made in memory of Gordy, to the Salvation Army or a Veterans organization of your choice.