Gordon Elings

Robert Gordon Elings passed away Friday, April 21, 2017, at the young age of 59. He was born January 28, 1958, to Robert and Leona O’Keefe Elings of Conrad. He graduated from Conrad high school in 1976. He pursued an Associate’s degree from Northern Montana College in Ag Business.  He spent several years working for businesses in Conrad as well as helping his parents. A favorite part time job was working as an auction clerk for local auctioneers.

In 1985 he bought his father's Insurance agency. He officially worked for Montana Farmers Union insurance from 1985 until 2017, which was a span of 32 years adding to his father’s 30 year tenure.

He was raised on the family farm and ranch east of Conrad. Irrigating and haying kept them busy in the summers. Gordon enjoyed the farm as well as helping his mom raise registered Herford cattle.

In his young adult years, he loved riding motorcycles and would take trips traveling over the US and Canada.

Gordon loved to travel, be outdoors, camp, spend time with family, care for animals, and serve others in any way that he was able. He particularly loved his dogs and had many over the years.

He married AnnaMaria Duncan Thisselle   September 10th 1988 at Pondera Valley Lutheran Church in Conrad.  They added two more children to their family with Dirk Robert in 1989 and Mardi Leona in 1991.

Gordon served on many boards some of which were Search & Rescue, Conrad Christian School, City-County Planning, Crime Stoppers, 4-H and Gideon’s. The last eleven years he served on the board of the 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union.

He was a Sunday school teacher and Bible Quiz coach as well as an Awana leader and loved his Men’s Bible study group.   He gave heart and soul to every organization he was involved in. In 1995 he participated in his first Promise Keepers conference and found a new love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each year he went he became richer in his relationship with the Lord.

Although he was a quiet man often listening and observing he liked to visit and loved a good laugh.  He could be caught watching Laurel and Hardy and belly laughing over the 3 Stooges. Mysteries were always a favorite via books, movies, TV shows and old classic radio shows of the 20’s and 30’s. Pitch and Pinochle were two of his favorite card games, although fish with the kids was an option as well.

Gordon did enjoy family time with all the sporting events, camping, 4-H camps and fair...not so sure he liked the fair!  Spending time with his family was important to him so there were at least yearly vacations to various places.

His family often joked that he was an insurance man until the end; Liability, liability, liability was one of his favorite sayings. He ended up viewing life through the eyes of insurance.

Gordon battled cancer twice in recent years but always keep a fighting spirit. He hated being a burden to family members to the end.

He is preceded in death by his father Robert Elings Sr. and his sister Carol Mielke. His grandparents, John S. and Albertine Larson O’Keefe and  John D. and Priscilla Vandyken Elings.

He is survived by his mother Leona Elings, Conrad, his brother Jeff Elings, Conrad,  his wife Anna Maria Duncan Elings, Conrad his children, son Dirk Elings (Amanda & granddaughter Scotlyn), Conrad, daughter Mardi Elings, Seattle WA., stepson Luke Thisselle (Andrea, grandsons  Zane & Asher), Helena, stepdaughter Nadine Thisselle (Jeremiah Habets), Seattle WA. As well as brother in law Kevin Mielke and numerous nephews nieces and their families.

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and faithful dogs.

Services will be held Saturday, April 29th at 2 PM at the Conrad High School Auditorium, followed by a luncheon at the Conrad Shooting Sports Complex.  Public viewing will be Friday evening from 5-8 pm at the Asper Funeral Home in Conrad. Feel free to bring memories and stories to share.

Should you consider a memorial gift please consider one of the following, Conrad Community Cancer Foundation, Peace Hospice Great Falls or the Gideon’s.

“I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;

I'd rather be His than have riches untold;

I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land;

Yes I'd rather be led by His nail pierced hands!”