Kelly Ann Gordon • 1977- 2009

Kelly Ann Gordon, 32, Minot, died Monday, November 9, 2009 in a Minot hospital.

Kelly Ann was born on July 30, 1977, a daughter of Reid and Phyllis (Laukala) Gordon in Minot, ND. She was raised and educated in Minot until the age of 11 when she moved to the Anne Carlsen School in Jamestown, ND, to continue her education. At age 21, she moved back to Minot, where she resided at the Minot Vocational Workshop group home.  

Kelly Ann enjoyed music, adaptive bowling, attending Wednesday Bible studies at the Parker Center, visiting the Norsk Hostfest, holding her scarves, and spending time with her caregivers.

She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and Our Savior Lutheran Church, both of Minot.  

Those who shared in her life:  Mother: Phyllis, Minot, Sister Nancy Gordon, Bismarck, ND; Uncle Robert (Ann) Gordon, Ruidoso, NM, Aunt Donna Baker, Minot; Half-Sister Candace (Brian) Berg, Douglas ND; Niece Catherine (Dustin) Mize, Niece Carly Berg, Nephew Greg Olson, and Cousins Diane Salwey, William (Jocelyn) Baker, Bobby Gordon, Cindy Gordon, and Debbie Gordon.

She was preceded in death by her father Reid, maternal Grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Laukala and paternal Grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Gordon.  

Visitation: Friday, November 13, 2009 from 1-7 at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Prayer service: Friday at 7 in the Funeral Home Chapel, Minot

Funeral Service: Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 11 am at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Minot

Burial: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot

Dear Friends & Family,
           
My Mother and I sincerely appreciate the time you have taken to join us in celebrating the life of our sister and daughter Kelly Ann. Over the years many people have asked us the same question about Kelly….”does she know you?” I can truthfully answer yes – she always knew us and she never forgot a voice. Kelly lived in a mysterious world we did not understand but she had a distinct personality. She would often express her likes and dislikes with vocalizations and facial expressions. For example, she enjoyed when I practiced the piano but when I practiced the violin she would cover her ears with her arm and make a grumpy face. As a child I remember she liked to reach out and pull my hair when I was not paying attention. She would laugh and kick out her legs when I got mad – almost as if to say Gotcha again!

            Kelly has always been the picture of innocence and happiness. She was the cover girl for the Minot State College “severely multi-handicapped teacher training program” brochure and she was often featured in the Anne Carlsen schools yearly calendars and publications called “the Ambassador.” While my sister was recently hospitalized a good friend of mine told me “we just don’t even know how many lives she has touched.” This is a profound and humbling statement. I know our lives have been touched by the many wonderful caregivers who kept Kelly healthy and happy throughout her 32 years. Although too numerous to name individually, here are some of the key people who shared Kelly’s journey…….Ida Laukala (Grandmother & Caregiver), Ida Lindlauf (adopted Grandmother & Storyteller), In Home Nurses Audrey Falstad, Harriet Vaage, Fern Bradway, Meredith Pritchett, Wendy Walker, Maria Zietz, and Laurie Olson; Teachers Keith Gustafson (Minot State) and Pam Schauer (Anne Carlsen); Numerous caregivers at the Anne Carlsen School from 1987-1998, and all of the staff at the Minot Vocational Workshop including one to one caregivers.

            Even at the end during her final battle there were skilled and compassionate nurses at the Trinity Intensive Care Unit who continued as caregivers. It is impossible to list all of the people who challenged Kelly to test her abilities, explore her environment, or who brought sunshine into her life. For Kelly’s graduation in 1998 we wrote the following for her program flyer and today it is important for us to convey the same message because if Kelly had been able to speak she would have put these thoughts into one simple word……..
“T” is for the time you spent with me to make me smile.
“H” is for the hands which held mine to throw a bowling ball or roll out cookies.
“A” is for the activities that enriched my life like the trips to the Parker Center.
“N” is for nurturing me throughout the years to develop my potential.
“K” is for the kindness you shared in word and deed like singing Twinkle Twinkle to me.
“S”  is for the support you have provided to me and my family through the years.

            Together the letters simply say “THANKS” for all of the friendship and memories. Love Always –

Nancy and Phyllis Gordon

Officiant
Rev. Carlyle Roth

Music
Opening song “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”
Twila Peterson, vocalist to offer:
“Amazing Grace” and “Jesus Loves Me”
Closing song “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
Sue Bethke, organist

Honorary Bearers
Kelly Ann’s friends at the Minot Vocational Workshop; many of whom are holding a scarf in memory of Kelly Ann. The scarf was comforting to her in life, now it comforts her workshop family.

~following the burial, there will be a luncheon in the Great Room of the church.

To sign the online guest register for Kelly
To view the online guest register for Kelly

To view the inside of Kelly's folder
To view the insert to Kelly's folder
To view the outside of Kelly's folder

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