passed away on October 1, 2022 due to complications from a recent fall.
Charles moved to Fremont in 1957 when he enrolled at Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University). He graduated from Midland with a degree in Secondary Education in 1965, and taught at Fremont Senior High School for 31 years where he had the opportunity to touch the lives of thousands of students over that period.
Chuck was dedicated to his profession by investing his time and resources serving as Social Studies Department Chair for fifteen years. He served as President of the Fremont Education Association, served on various committees of the NSEA and was a member of the National Council for the Social Studies and Nebraska Education Association. He also taught Social Science Methods at Midland College and was a pilot teacher for the University of Indiana Social Studies Development Center.
He served his community as a mediator for Small Claims Court of Dodge County, member of the Fremont Planning Commission, and served as President of Fremont United Way Board of Directors. He was a member of Fremont Presbyterian Church, shared his love for reading by serving as Trustee of the Keene Memorial Library and as a member of the Nebraska Library Commission. He also served as President of the Cosmopolitan Fremont 100 Club, was recognized as Cosmopolitan of the Year, was a member of the Cornbelt Diabetes Connection Board, and was a recipient of the Community Builder's Award from the City of Fremont.
Charles Gordon was born August 6, 1936 in Waukegan, IL to Leslie W. and Helene Charlotte Gordon (nee Johnson). He moved to Denver and graduated from Denver East High School in 1955. He graduated from Midland in 1965, and received his Masters Degree in Education from the University of Nebraska in 1970. He served as past President of the Fremont Area Nebraska Alumni Association, member of the UNL Cooperative Extension Board of Dodge County, and member of the Dodge County Canvassing Board.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Eric (Jane) of Dallas TX, Randy (Tracy) of Lincoln, NE, and Brian (Tammy) of Lenexa KS, his 8 grandchildren: Chip Gordon (Rachel), Brooke Gordon, Grant Gordon (Paige), Josh, Emma, Ian, Calvin, and Maggie Gordon, his nephews Nick Keyes, and Jon Keyes, and sister-in-law Jane Keyes.
Chuck had many friends in the community and was well known for his patient and gentle nature. He was an avid stamp collector and loved baseball, classical music, and poetry. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Marilyn to many global destinations.
The memorial service will be October 22 at 10:30AM at the Fremont Presbyterian Church. There is no viewing but The family will receive friends at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel, October 21 from 5-7 PM to visit with family. Memorials may be directed to the Fremont Presbyterian Church, Keene Memorial Library, and Cosmopolitan Fremont 100 Club.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Live stream of the service can be found at:
http://www.presbyterianfremont.org/live
Condolences(16)
Nancy Brand Schroeder
Blair, NE Friday, October 21, 2022 I read with sorrow of Mr. Gordon's death. As a long ago1971 graduate of FHS, I remember his professionalism addressing all of us sophomores in the lecture hall for one of our history classes. I truly appreciate his many contributions to our young lives, treating all with respect...Fremont was so fortunate to have him on staff. We remember his family in prayer as you mourn and celebrate his life...a life so well lived.Nancy Brand Schroeder
Blair, NE
Mike and Lynda Raasch
Fremont, NE Thursday, October 20, 2022 Marilyn and family,Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers for your loss. We hope your memories will bring you comfort and help you smile in the days to come. God’s blessings to your family from Mike, Lynda, Chris and Nick Raasch
Jane Keyes
Portland, OR Tuesday, October 18, 2022 You sure are going to be missed, Chuck. You were a great brother-in-law, and thanks for all the happy times that Biff, Nick, Jon and I spent with you and Marilyn. Thanks, too, for doing me the favor of introducing me to some fine poets. I have one of Ted Kooser's works beside my bed to this day.Kory Nelson
Parker, CO Wednesday, October 12, 2022 “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”- Henry Brooks Adams. Mr. Gordon was my favorite teacher, and he had a profound effect on my life, both in the classroom and out. He opened my eyes as to the great big world out there beyond Fremont, and I learned to pay attention to events around the world. He & Marilyn gave me the curiosity to see the world and experience new cultures. Mr. Gordon encouraged me to "make a difference", and when he choose me to go to Boy's State at the Nebraska Unicameral, he planted a seed that grew into a career in law and local government. I was lucky to continue to interact with him after high school, and having his counsel as an adult, he inspired me. He was a good man, and we are all better for having known him. I plan on traveling back to Fremont for his memorial service, and I hope to see other former students there. We owe Chuck Gordon a debt of gratitude, and if we can show Marilyn and his family that Chuck's positive influence continues on through us, we can pay back just a small piece of what he provided us. He will not be forgotten.Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Fremont, NE Wednesday, October 5, 2022 Marilyn,We are so sorry for your loss.
Chuck was so devoted to teaching Fremont youth and supporting the Fremont community. He certainly will be missed.
Our sincerest sympathy,
Eileen & Bob Thornburg
Susan Martens
Saint Joseph, MO Wednesday, October 5, 2022 Mr. Gordon was definitely one of the most inspiring teachers I ever had. His Global and Political Issues classes helped me learn how to tune into the news and look at the world from a larger perspective. He also bravely taught Philosophy to my class of weird, angsty Gen Xers who were already overthinking everything, including me, but he showed us a way to reflect on our own thinking and open our minds even further. He is one of the many educators who set me on my path as a teacher educator and taught me by example what an engaged classroom discussion could really look like and feel like. I am so very grateful for everything he taught me. Mrs. Gordon and family--I am holding you all close to my heart in this difficult time. We have lost one of the greats.Kyle Wedberg
New Orleans, LA Wednesday, October 5, 2022 Copied from the thank you section in my Ph.D. dissertation: (Thanks to) Charles Gordon for recognizing and encouraging thoughts and discussion of what existed outside a traditional high school experience in Fremont, Nebraska. The hole in the fence you actively curated was the looking glass through which my intellectual journey started.Elizabeth L Nichols
Omaha, NE Wednesday, October 5, 2022 I taught at Fremont High School With both Chuck and Marilyn. Such great people and was very grateful to have them as friends. My condolences to the family.Sarah Lux
Omaha, NE Wednesday, October 5, 2022 I had Mr. Gordon as a teacher my senior year at Fremont Senior High. I took one class and liked him as a teacher so much that I took two more of his classes that year (as many as I could!). He had a profound impact on my life, who I am, and how I view the world. Thank you, Mr. Gordon, for the good you put into this world.Lisa L
Hooper, NE Tuesday, October 4, 2022 Mr. Gordon was an all time favorite teacher of mine. He treated his students with respect and received it from so many. Thank you to him for being an inspiration in my life and many others! Sympathy and blessings ro his family.Mark Williams
Fremont, NE Tuesday, October 4, 2022 Mr. Gordon- cannot thank you enough for guiding me, teaching me and supporting me as a student and student teacher in your class. I cannot express the difference you made in my life. I enjoyed learning and laughing with you and never wanted to disappoint you in any way. Thanks for always taking the time for me and being a mentor for me. Thoughts and prayers to your family and I just want you to know that it was a life well-lived. You will be missed, but heaven got themselves a good one!Mary Thor Bennett
Fremont, NE Monday, October 3, 2022 My heart is sad with the passing of Mr. Gordon. He made such an impression on so many lives including mine. I’m thinking of you and your family Mrs. Gordon with love and good memories.Jeanne Nielsen
Elkhorn, NE Monday, October 3, 2022 Charles was one of my favorite people. He was a great teacher and friend. I remember the Closeup trip to DC when we nick named him Chaz. Charles was such a special person and I I’ll be missed by so many. I will be praying for Marilyn and their family.Pam Greenbush (Brandt)
Wilson, NC Monday, October 3, 2022 Mr. Gordon was my Favorite teacher, graduated 1970. May he rest in peace and what an impact he made on all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to his family. He was "Epic!"Gregg A Kupfer
Omaha, NE Monday, October 3, 2022 Mr. Gordon was a very objective political science teacher. He always considered your point of view, and was quick to dismiss too much condemnation from any political direction. More than that he was a professional and a gentleman. My oldest son and grandson now live 10 minutes from Waukegan, Illinois. Fremont High has always been less without you. Thank you for all the lessons you taught me. Respectfully-Gregg KupferCynthia Walker-Houk
Nashville, TN Monday, October 3, 2022 Senora Gordon, so sorry to read of the passing of Mr. Gordon. I will never forget the night after a Spanish Club meeting he played the piano and sang for us. You and Mr. Gordon are always thought of and were a big influence in my life. You both made a difference in my life. You are in my prayers.