WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Gordon L. Schelde, 80, of Wakefield, passed away Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at his home peacefully on Indianhead Road.

Gordy was born on July 4, 1938, in Duluth, Minn., to Edwin Oscar and Alice Louise (Anderson) Schelde. He had a sister two years older, Lois Ann (Schelde) Martinson. After graduating from Duluth East High School in 1956, he went to Dunwoody Industrial Institute in Minneapolis to graduate in 1964 with a degree in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration before starting a successful sales career representing different heating and air conditioning manufactures through out the Minnesota territory.

When not working, Gordy loved making people laugh, teasing friends and relatives, skiing, motorcycle riding, tractors, antique toys and camping.

Gordy was a co-owner with Pukawana Shores Campground in the 1970s for decades on Big Round Lake, McGregor, Minn. which was his pride and joy.

Gordy enjoyed volunteering his time helping build a community around coffee and chores at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bessemer, where he was a faithful member and trustee.

Gordy is survived by his wife, Ann (Masters-Hoffmeister) Schelde of Bensenville, Ill.; her two children, Bryan Hoffmeister, and his daughters, Madeline and Alexandra; and Suzanne Lass, and her sons, Levi and Logan; three great-grandchildren, Leam, Emory and Nathan; Gordy's two children, Mark Edward Schelde, and his daughter, Zoe; and Wendy Lee (Todd) Knowler; and his brother-in-law, William Martinson and his two daughters and two sons.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Lois Ann Martinson.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bessemer, with Pastor Timothy J. Steckling officiating.

Following the service, military rites will take place at the church under the auspices of the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guard, assisted by the U.P. Funeral Honors Team.

A reception will be held at the church hall following the military service.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.