Obituary of Gorden Lee Bordsen

Gordon Lee Bordsen entered this world on Sunday, January 6th, 1929 and departed December 2nd, 2022. Born to Tonder and Jennie Bordsen of Norway, he had two sisters, Mildred Engelman Cage 12 years older, and Thelma (Thea) Blumenthal Link 10 years older, to whom he was very close. He grew up on a sheep ranch in the Sutter Buttes. He entered school not speaking English but Norwegian. At age 14, Gordon was given a special driver's license permitting him to drive to and from school, because the school bus didn't go far enough to pick him up. Of course, Gordon and his Model B Ford, "drove all over California". In 1946, Gordon graduated from Sutter Union High School. Tonder, as he was known back then, played football, basketball, baseball, was in student leadership, a member of CSF, and was active in FFA. After graduation, Gordon attended Yuba College. Drafted into the Korean War, Gordon spent time in England building airfields. Upon returning home, Gordon was introduced to Carol Jean Herbranson by her grandmother Emily Wold Cooper. After a game of Canasta, Gordon and Carol Jean were smitten. On Saturday, June 19th, 1954, the pair married in Minnesota. The newlyweds moved to Stockton where Gordon attended and graduated from the College of the Pacific (now known as University of the Pacific). He was asked to be a walk-on for football, but with a new wife and son, Brant, he declined. The Division of Highways, now known as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in the central valley needed people with his skill set. He desired to be assigned to the Marysville office where he started as a right-of-way agent. He assessed land as part of the construction of the Interstate Highway System. Growing up on a ranch and having worked on farms gave him unique and valuable insight into the value of rural properties. Gordon helped secure the land to expand I-5 in Colusa and Glenn Counties, Highway 20 in Sutter, Yuba and Nevada counties, and Highway 99 in Butte County. After the birth of their daughters, Kari Lee (1960) and Thea (1962), Gordon and Carol Jean were devoted parents providing every opportunity for the 3 children. They supported and attended every game, recital, event and ceremony. The family was active in the Lutheran church, rarely missing a Sunday. Gordon was an active member of the Yuba-Sutter community. He taught classes at Yuba College on Real Estate Appraisal. He was the voice of the Sutter Huskies Football for over 25 years. A passionate member of the Marysville Rotary Club, he was club President and in 1987, Rotary District Governor. In 1963, Gordon and Carol Jean became charter members of the Sons of Norway, Snowshoe Thompson Lodge. Gordon spent a lifetime enjoying hunting, camping, and fishing in the "Swamp Rat", his beloved little boat. He loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports and excel in their occupations. He was beloved by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Gordon was predeceased by parents Tonder and Jennie Bordsen, sisters Mildred Engleman Cage and Thea Blumenthal Link and grandchild Vanessa Bordsen. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Carol Jean Bordsen, son Brant Bordsen (wife Eleanor), daughter Kari Lee Bordsen (husband Spero Koulouras), daughter Thea Bordsen Post (husband John), and grandchildren Mykel Comiso, Allison Bordsen, Keith Bordsen, Diana Bordsen Mercier (husband Christian), Kari Post Nahlen (husband Blake), Randall Post (wife Victoria), Thea Koulouras, and great grandchildren Jeremiah Mercier, Gabrielle Mercier, Luke Nahlen, Kade Nahlen and Reagan Post. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Marysville or Sons of Norway, Snowshoe Thompson Lodge Funeral service will be held at 11AM on December 20th, 2022 at First Lutheran Church in Yuba City, 850 Cooper Avenue. Reception to follow at the church. Graveside interment will be immediate family only.