Gordon E. Mortrude, 87, St. Cloud

September 7, 1928 - July 8, 2016

Gordon E. Mortrude passed away at the St. Benedict’s Care Center on Friday, July 8, at the age of 87. He was in the care of the hospice unit at the time of his passing.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 12, at Salem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. There will be visitation from noon until the service. A private inurnment will take place later at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka. Arrangements are with Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

Gordon was born September 7, 1928, in Greenbush, Minnesota, to Clara (Hetland) and Seymour (Sy) Mortrude. After graduating from Greenbush High School and a stint of work for Lockheed Aircraft in California, he and his family returned to Minnesota where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. He later earned his Master of Science degree from St. Cloud State University and his doctorate in Teacher Education from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

He began his teaching career at Sauk Rapids High School and then in San Bernardino, California. He was invited to join the faculty of the School of Education at St. Cloud State University and moved his family here in 1960.

Gordon received awards as an outstanding teacher and professor and was a member of numerous professional fraternities and professional education organizations at the local, state, and national levels. He retired in 1990 from St. Cloud State University as a Professor Emeritus. He continued to be in demand as a speaker and consultant in both educational settings as well as at private sector businesses. His messages were focused on the humane treatment of children and the importance of balancing family life and career.

He is survived by his wife, Thelma (Solom), with whom he had celebrated their 69th Wedding Anniversary on July 3; four children: Mark of St. Cloud; Jody (Gary) Anderson of Ramsey, MN; Scott of St. Cloud; and Rana (Tim) Nestrud of Ramsey, MN; four grandchildren: Kim, Amy, Mikk, and Mara; and two great-grandchildren: Laney and Will. A sister, Jane Nelson of Fargo, and a brother, Lowell (Marcy) of St. Cloud, also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Seymour (Bud).

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Dr. Gordon E. Mortrude Student Assistance Fund, Teacher Education, St. Cloud State University, in care of the SCSU Foundation.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to Drs Lindquist and Rickbeil, as well as the many nurses and attendants at Centracare and St. Benedict’s Center for their compassionate care.