Gorden Dyrud

Gorden Dyrud, 94, passed away on Sunday January 14, 2018 surrounded by his family.  Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday January 19th, at Golden West Lutheran Church.

Gorden was born December 5, 1923 in his parent’s home East of Conrad.  He grew up on his family’s farm and attended Sollid Rural School, followed by high school in Conrad.  His first job was at N & A Auto, the Chevrolet Dealer in Conrad, where he worked as a mechanic.  Before enlisting in the Navy in 1944, he met the love of his life, Virginia Marsden.  He was stationed in the Philippines during World War II.  He wrote often to his sweetheart, and sent money home to his family.  Shortly after he returned home in 1946 he married Virginia in her parents’ farm home in the Red River Valley.

After the wedding, they settled down to farm 20 miles east of Conrad.  He often said he felt fortunate doing what he loved, which was farming.  Although he wouldn’t bring it up, he was named Outstanding Young Farmer of Pondera County in 1959.   He obtained his private pilot’s license and other interests included church and youth activities, family trips by car, woodworking, hunting, competitive rifle shooting and his enduring friendships.  He especially enjoyed vacationing in Glacier Park for many decades with his wife and family.  After retiring in 2007, he and Virginia moved to the Horizon Lodge in Conrad.

He is survived by three children, Ralph, Ken, and Barbara.  He is also survived by four grandchildren Jason, Laura, Carrie and Erin, and six great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by Virginia, his wife of 71 years, his parents Tony and Carrie Dyrud, his sisters Ruth Urton and Lydia Johnson, and brothers Allen and Donald Dyrud.

Prayer was a vital part of Gorden’s life, including an evening prayer naming each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He inspired his family and others with his love and integrity, resilience and spiritual strength.

Memorials can be made to Golden West Lutheran Church or preferred charity.  Condolences may be made to Gorden’s memorial page at asperfh.com.