Gordon Baxter's Memorial Service Video

Gordon Ray Baxter age 81, passed away peacefully November 1, 2022 with his family by his side, after a battle with cancer.

Gordon was born on June 15, 1941, the 6 ^th child and only son to Donald and Eva (Cartwright) Baxter, in New London, WI. Gordon grew up in the New London area and moved to Illinois after the birth of his third daughter. During his years on earth Gordon experienced many different careers that included: laborer, newspaper print shop operator, accordion instructor, driving instructor, sales, and hardware store manager.  He loved playing his accordion and sing-a-longs, gardening, wildflowers, creating flower arrangements, Sudoku, crossword, and picture puzzles.  Flag day was his favorite holiday, he always tried to triple up Father's/Flag & Birthday into one, warranting extra gifts.  Halloween was a close runner-up as well as dressing up as entertainment for parties.

In his early years, Gordon was a band member for both Symphony & Dance bands, where they competed in NE WI state competition placing 3 ^rd , 2 ^nd & 1 ^st in consecutive years, he also placed 2 ^nd with a solo.  He played in many local establishments with the Melody Kings of New London and Esquire Trio of Oshkosh as well as playing solo. He was known to play at family reunions and whenever asked; with little persuasion until health issues overcame his ability. Gordon created a beautiful back yard filled with various flower, plants and a gnome garden nestled under a tree. He had the honor of creating flower arrangements for his daughter's weddings and several other family members and friends.

Gordon's greatest love was his family and watching them grow. On October 14, 1972 he married Karen Syens, together they welcome a 4 ^th daughter to complete their family.  He became Grandpa Gordy in 1988 with the birth of the 1 ^st of his 8 grandchildren and great grandpa in 2014 with the birth of the 1 ^st of his 9 great-grandchildren. He was fondly known as Unc by many of his nieces and nephews and Pops/Papa to close friends of his daughters.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 50 years Karen -4 daughters; Terri (Ron) James, Brenda (friend John Heimmermann) Hooyman, Karla (Gordon) Riehl -8 grandchildren; Amanda Vanden Boogaard, Kaytlin Hooyman, Alycia Riehl, Kelcie Hooyman, Jacob (Cassidy) Riehl, Keegan (Rachel) Hooyman, Karleigh Hooyman and Neena Nair and 9 great-grandchildren; Aspen, Chloe, Caylix, Scarlet, Josie, Rylen, Lila, Coen and Ava. Sisters Donna Lemke and twin Gloria (Mickey) Janke, brother/sister in-laws Dennis (Pam) Syens, David (Jan) Syens and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Eva Baxter, father/mother-in-law Peter and Evelyn Syens, SR., daughter Tammy Nair, sisters Leann Bosquez, Betty Krause, Virginia (Polly) Ruch, sister-in-law Betty Syens, brothers-in-law John Bosquez, Jerry Ruch, Orville H Krause, Dave Janke, Peter Syens, JR., nieces Karen Hill and Barbara Ruch, nephews Garret Krause, David Krause, Orville D Krause and Michael Ruch.

Special thank you to Cliff, Herb, Nikki, Tonya and Becca from Promedica Hospice for the care given in his last days.

Funeral service for Gordon will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London with Rev. Dave Bosquez officiating.  Visitation will be held at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.