Virgil Gordon

Virgil was born to Lester and Ellen (Gunderson) Gordon on October 3, 1925, the youngest of four sons. He was raised on the century farm southwest of Webster City and in 1950 began farming on this home farm. Virgil attended country school and graduated from Webster City High School in 1944. Shortly after graduating, he entered the Navy and served in WWII until being discharged in 1946. Using his GI bill, he attended ISU majoring in agriculture. While there, he began dating Mary Lou Hemminger and they married on September 10, 1950, in Webster City. They were blessed with three daughters: Nancy, Barbara and Peggy.

Virgil was a hard-working farmer, always staying on top of new innovations in agriculture. He was once featured in the Wallace’s Farmer Magazine, which showed his efficient feed grinding process. He was also honored in 1959 as an outstanding young farmer. He enjoyed raising row crops and feeder pigs. In 1992 Virgil and his brother Norman donated land to Hamilton County Conservation for the creation of Gordon Marsh, Young Hunter Education Area, southwest of Webster City.

Virgil stayed involved in community activities such as 4-H, Hamilton County Extension, Kiwanis, Pork Producers, Hamilton County Land Use and Soil Conservation Board, Farm Bureau, Hamilton County ISU Alumni Association, served various roles at the First Baptist Church, and delivered Meals on Wheels. In his later years he was a member of the Antique Car club and enjoyed driving his restored 1929 Model A Ford in parades around Hamilton County. He also owned a Ford 601 tractor which he and son-in-law, Calvin Poppe, rode in many WHO tractor rides around the state of Iowa.

When Virgil “semi” retired from farming, he and Mary Lou moved to Locust Street in Webster City. His daughter Peggy and her husband, Francis, and family then moved to the home place and continued farming. Virgil still drove the combine until he was 85 years old. Virgil and Mary Lou had long lasting friendships with many couples in card club playing 500. They traveled on many agriculture related trips around the country and Europe. While at Windsor Manor he made many friends and enjoyed the activities there. He played dominoes until three days before his passing.

Virgil’s family includes his daughters: Nancy (Calvin) Poppe, Nashua, IA, Barbara (Ervin) Mussman, Marion, IA, and Peggy Owens, Webster City, IA; grandchildren: Allen (Jillian) Poppe, Neal (Kate) Poppe, Craig Poppe, Erika Hass, Alex (Sarah) Mussman, Andrew Owens, Amy (Preston) Baker, and John Owens; great grandchildren: Anneliese, Allison, & Ethan Poppe; Norah & Jacob Poppe; Harper, Brooks, & Griffin Mussman; Ella, Grace, & Violet Baker; sister-in-law Barbara Hemminger; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou in 2021; brothers: Kenneth (Beulah), Norman (Irene), and Howard (Marcelyn); and son-in-law Francis Owens. Memorial donations may be made to the Hamilton County 4-H foundation and Meals on Wheels. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Windsor Manor and the care givers from Unity Point Hospice and Treasured Hearts, for the care they gave to Virgil.