Gordon Ellsworth Roberts, 75, of Butler, passed away Oct. 25, 2008, at Perham Memorial Hospital.
He was born on Nov. 5, 1932, in Spruce Grove Township, rural Menahga, to Elmer and Manga (Anderson) Roberts. He was baptized and confirmed in Spruce Grove Union Church. He grew up on the family farm in Spruce Grove Township and attended Spruce Grove School District 52. He served in the Army from April 20, 1953 until April 9, 1955. After serving in the Army, he returned to the Butler area and married Clara Knickrehm on Aug. 14, 1955, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Corliss Township, rural Perham. They lived in Campbell, Minn., for several years before settling in at their Butler dairy farm in 1963. He and Clara's marriage was blessed with eight children, who in turn blessed them with 18 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He retired from dairy farming in 1994. He enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandchildren, playing cards, woodworking and riding his four-wheeler around the rural area.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 29, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Corliss Township, rural Perham, with the Rev. Del Meyer officiating. The pallbearers were Larry Knickrehm, David Knickrehm, Dale Roberts, DuWayne Roberts, Mike Roberts and Derrick Teberg. The honorary pallbearers were Norman Brietenfeldt, Norman Huwe, Paul Roes Sr. and Roger Boyce. Military honors were provided by the Charles D. Center VFW Post 3289 of New York Mills. He was laid to rest in St. John's Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by the Karvonen & Son Funeral Home in New York Mills. Condolence may be sent online at www.karvonenfuneralhome.com .
Survivors include his wife, Clara Roberts of Butler; his children, Glenn (Beverly) Roberts of Frazee, Dennis (Donna) Roberts of Clara City, Lee (Julie) Roberts of Perham, Nancy (Jeff) Berg of Long Prairie, Ed (Lisa) Roberts of Perham, Tim (Sheila) Roberts of Butler, Tony Roberts of Butler and Chris (Kirstin) Roberts of New York Mills; 18 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters, Annette Bauck, Carolyn (Greg) Meyer and Marlene (Lyle) Teberg; brothers, Kenneth (Ann) Roberts and Jerome (Eileen) Roberts; and a host of neighbors, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Leila; and a sister, Arlene Roberts.
