Gordon R. Frizzell was born on November 26, 1930, in McDonald, Kansas, the son of James and Emma Mae (Kennedy) Frizzell. Gordon entered into eternal rest on Monday, June 24, 2024, at Midlands Living Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Gordon moved to Oakland, IA, at a young age. He graduated from Oakland High School with the class of 1948. After graduating, he worked for several years before enlisting in the Army on January 7, 1955. He was honorably discharged on December 12, 1956.
On September 5, 1959, Gordon was united in marriage to Shirley Bates, at the Atlantic United Methodist Church. To this union, three children were born: Kathi, Debbie and Jamie. Gordon farmed the family farm near Lewis while also selling fertilizer, and then working for a book publishing company. In 1966, they moved to Oakland, and Gordon began working for the Department of Transportation. In the 1970’s, he also became the custodian of the Oakland United Methodist Church. After retirement, Gordon and Shirley lived in Oakland until several years ago, when they moved to Council Bluffs.
Gordon was a member of the Oakland United Methodist Church, the Lion’s Club, the Airplane Club, and had been on the Oakland 4th of July planning committee. He enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends, woodworking, going to Menards, and fishing. He like visiting with anyone he would meet, and never knew a stranger.
He is survived by his children: Kathi and her husband, Dean Sharp, Debbie and her husband David Simonin and Jamie Frizzell and his wife Rebecca; his grandchildren Rachel (Brandon) Urbank, Megan (JP) Schmidt, Jon Simonin (Melissa), Matt Sharp (fiancé Elly), Shelby Simonin (fiancé Scott), and Madison Sharp; his great grandchildren: Bella, Landon, Daniel, Malia, Kai, and Thomas.
Gordon is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Shirley on January 18, 2024; his parents.
The funeral service for Gordon will be Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Oakland Methodist Church with visitation with the family one hour prior to service. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family.
