Gordon Arthur Crowson

Gordon Arthur Crowson, 92 of Rochester, MN. peacefully passed away May 1, 2021, after a day spent surrounded by loved ones at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Gordon was born December 12, 1928 to Delbert and Violet (Davidson) Crowson, in Chatfield, MN. He was from a big family of 10 siblings. Gordon graduated from, Chatfield High School, in 1947. Shortly after, he would meet the love of his life, Helen (Sylvester). They would then be married October 4th, 1950. Gordy and Helen ventured off to have a large family of their own. Their oldest daughter, Donna, would lead the pack and one after the other came, John, Tom, Anna, Susan, Joleen and finally the baby of the family, Bill. Gordy worked hard his entire life, well into his 90’s. He still wanted to have his hands on a project, and always tried find ways to stay busy. He worked his earlier years for IBM, as a tool dye cutter. He was a master with his hands. He handcrafted many wood projects in his own woodshop, Crowson Woodcraft. Every year he manned a one-acre garden growing some of the best produce in the local area. He also enjoyed his way around the kitchen and would make many treats with his home-grown goods. He would often gift others a jar of his homemade jam, cookies, cakes and breads, and his Fritters and jerky were a hit with many! Gordy was an excellent master of a pool player and played locally on many teams with D&R Star. This was something he enjoyed with all of his sons, and grandsons. He took no mercy on the table, and would critique every shot the other player took, no matter who you were.
Gordy and Helen loved to travel and did so every opportunity they could. Spending lots of time together on the open road in their motorhome, whether it was for a visit out west to see family, an Elk hunting trip, or an adventure to Alaska. They put many miles on the road together and were always sure to send a postcard to update family on their whereabouts. In April of 1998, Helen became ill, and Gordy was sure to stick by her side up until her final moments. They shared a love that was so special, people still talk about them together to this day.
Gordy later continued his travels with his special friend, Sharon Miller. They too enjoyed the open road and traveled across the country seeing new things together and spent a few winters in Arizona. One thing about Gordy, he didn’t need a map to tell you how to get anywhere, or to tell you what exact highway he took, or the condition of the road. He seemed to have a knack for memorizing routes, and landmarks nearby. He loved to share stories of his family history, his travels, and times of his younger years. He was so full of knowledge, that we would all gather around to listen intently, even if we had heard the story 10 times before.
Gordy is survived by two of his seven children, Susan (Chuck) Cleveland, Monmouth, OR and Joleen (Bart) Miller of Byron. He was also survived and supported by daughters-in-law, Jackie, Jill, Sandi, and Patti Kummeth. Gordy was proud to tell others about his grandchildren, and he had a host of them. Over the years he gained 23 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren, each one of them made him proud in their own ways. Gordy was also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, who all affectionately called him “Uncle Donnie”. Gordy is also survived by siblings, Ida Stremcha, Brenda Adler, Ross (Gladys) Crowson, Gary (Sue) Crowson, Jim (Janice) Crowson, and Alan (Carol) Crowson.
He was proceeded in death by his wife, Helen, his children, Donna and son-in-law Ron Harter, Thomas, John, Anna and William. Proceeding him in death also are his parents Delbert and Violet, and his siblings, Arnold, Roy and Burt.

Thank you to the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital that lent a hand in caring for Gordy during this time. Your tender affection and compassion during this difficult time will never be forgotten.
Gordy will be sorely missed by all who loved him, blessed be his memory. Service details to follow later.