N. Gordon Yager

Mr. N. Gordon Yager, of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away peacefully, at home, with a smile on his face and surrounded by family, on Monday, August 5, 2013. Gordon is survived by his wife of 66 years, Irma Yager and two children: Gary (Kim) Yager of Galesburg, MI and Trudy (Gerald )Luedecking of Richland, MI. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Bryan (Laurie) Luedecking, Katie (Eric) Lancaster, Jeff Coppersmith, Eric Luedecking, Michelle Yager and three great-grandchildren: Ellie Lancaster, Braydon Lancaster and Lena Lancaster.

Gordon grew up in Vestaburg, MI and married Irma Bunce, on December 31, 1946. Gordon loved spending time at his cottage on the Pine River, near Cadillac, MI, and was a great outdoors-man. Gordon's passions in life were traveling, camping, hunting, fishing and cards. Favorite hunts included an African safari and a trek in the Arctic Circle. Traveling was also a lifelong pursuit and, over the years, Gordon and Irma visited six of seven continents; including exploring of all of North America via their motor home. Gordon loved a good card game- no matter playing at the kitchen table or at a Las Vegas casino.

During World War II Gordon served as a pilot in the Army Air Force and was a proud member of the American Legion. He was a member of: IBEW Local 131, National Rifle Association, Kalamazoo Sportsman, Past President of Builders Exchange of Kalamazoo Area and State of Michigan Construction Safety Standards Commission. He also served on the board of Nazareth College and was a lifelong Rotarian. He was Chairman of the Board and owner of Rowen & Blair Electric Company until his retirement in 1990. During retirement, the Yagers split time between Kalamazoo, MI and Apache Junction, AZ.

Memorial Services will be held Friday, August 16, 2013, at 10:00am at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, MI 49012. A Luncheon will follow the service at 11:00am at Kellogg Manor House, 3700 East Gull Lake Drive, Hickory Corners, MI 49060. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010 www.wingsofhopehospice.com or Yorkville Community Church, 11523 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083. Arrangements were made by the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Homes, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.