Darwin E. Gorder

Darwin "Dar" Edwin Gorder was born February 22, 1940, in Fargo, ND, to Edwin and Sarah (Sommerfeld) Gorder. He graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran High School, Fargo, in 1957, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, in 1961. He received a Masters in History from North Dakota State University, Fargo, in 1963. Dar was united in marriage to Kay Ruth Anderson on November 24, 1962 in Oakes, ND.

That same year, Dar returned to Oak Grove as a Social Studies, Psychology and Physical Education instructor. He also served as a coach in football, basketball, wrestling and track. His 1969 boys' basketball team was the undefeated (26-0) state Class "B" champs. It has been estimated that Dar kept watch over some 2,000 extra-curricular events during his forty-five year tenure at Oak Grove, assuring fair play and good sportsmanship.

Throughout the years, he eagerly accepted new assignments ranging from driver's education to interim president, from principal to athletic director, from dean of student affairs to vice president of development. Dar remained active in district, regional and state athletic events throughout his career. When not coaching, winters were spent as a basketball referee. Summers often found him on the diamond as a pitcher. Following a distinguished twenty-five year career, he was inducted into the North Dakota Fastpitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1986.

Dar received recognition for his administrative and athletic leadership including Concordia College Alumni Achievement Award, North Dakota Athletic Director of the Year, Oak Grove's Living the Mission Award, Bethany Homes Senior of the Year Award. His dedication to church and community were unparalleled. As a result of his commitment to public service, education and leadership, Oak Grove Lutheran School christened the "Darwin Gorder Gymnasium" in 2002.

Dar enjoyed his spare time at Little Cormorant Lake in Minnesota. It was his greatest joy to mow lawns in the morning, have lunch at The Pit 6-11 and pull grandkids on the tube all afternoon.

Darwin "Dar" Edwin Gorder, 73, Fargo, passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at Sanford Health in Fargo.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Kay Ruth; children, Darcy (Bob) Dutcher, and Scott (Christine) Gorder; beloved grandchildren, Daniella Dutcher, Evelyn Gorder, Darrin Dutcher and Phillip Gorder; and niece, Erika Gorder. Extended family includes the Kevin Kovar family and Aanen Gjovik family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Clayton; and his mother and father-in-law, John and Dorothy Anderson.

Visitation will be Monday, September 2, 2013, from 5 - 8 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at 1 PM, in Hope Lutheran Church, North Campus, Fargo.

Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.