Gordon L. Dace

Gordon Lee Dace, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was called to Heaven on December 16th, 2025, in Sparta, Wisconsin, at the age of 73. Surrounded by his loving family in his own home, he went to receive his eternal reward. His family will always remember his generosity, his humor, and his faithfulness in freely sharing the gospel of Christ with anyone he met.

Born on June 11, 1952, to Billie Lee and Shirley Dace, Gordon was the eldest of two children raised in Waukegan, Illinois. Shortly after graduating from Waukegan Township High School in 1970, Gordon married his beloved sweetheart, Alma K. Nordlund, on September 9, 1972. His working years were spent at various machine shops including Johnson Outboard Motors, Abbott Laboratories, and Stellar Mould and Tool. He taught in various capacities through Western Technical College and with his own business, GD&T. During their 53 years of marriage, Gordon and Alma built a life together based on their faith in God and their commitment to each other and their family. They enjoyed traveling the country with their children and as a couple for Gordon's teaching jobs and for leisure, from touring every lighthouse on Lake Michigan to hiking the Redwood Forest of California, annual trips along the North Shore of Duluth, MN to a 50th anniversary family trip at the Outer Banks, NC. Gordon was an avid outdoorsman who relished more hobbies than he had time, including fishing, birding, kayaking, canoeing, and stewardship, as well as maple sap collection and motorcycle trips with his adored son. His creative endeavors were just as numerous as he enjoyed and excelled in many forms of art, including sketching, whittling, nature photography, and dabbling in any form of artistic medium with his precious eldest daughter. Music was another passion of Gordon's, taking in live concerts, decades of harmonica playing, and learning bass guitar from his darling youngest daughter. Gordon had a profound appreciation for the beauty and wonder in all of God's incredible creation.

Gordon and Alma raised three children: Sarah, Russell, and Katie. Their home was known for its hospitality, laughter, and good food, and was a welcome resting place for friends and family alike. Gordon knew no strangers and was known to make friends and have deep conversations everywhere he went. He was always ready with thoughtful questions and a listening ear, openly sharing Godly insight into the lives of all. He was a wealth of wisdom on everything from woodworking to house projects, job interviews to major life decisions.

His grandchildren were among his greatest joys. He supported them wholeheartedly by celebrating their accomplishments, listening to all they had to say, and instructing them with a gentle and loving spirit. To each of them, he was a steady and faithful presence--warm encouragement, a loving smile and a solid tip for improvement always on the ready. He created memories his grandchildren will have forever. Gordon was consistently on the court for basketball practice, down in the dust in the gaga ball ring, whistling a cheer at a swim or track meet, impressed by hang time on a bike jump, reading aloud another book on the couch, hand drawing custom coloring sheets, wrestling, cuddling and whisker rubbing. Each grandchild felt seen, treasured, and safe in his presence, and his impact will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Alma; his children, Sarah (Ryan) Curtis, Russell (Peggy Skemp) Dace, and Katie (Stephen) Cohen; and his precious grandchildren, Sawyer, Sophia, and Hudson Curtis; Vincent and Archibald Dace; Judah, Axel, Jules and Ace Cohen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Billie and Shirley Dace, and his sister, Cheryl Dace.

Visitation will take place at Bridge Church, 740 Alder Street, Black River Falls, WI, on Friday, January 9th, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at Bridge Church on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to noon with a Celebration of Life service at noon. Luncheon to follow.

If you have ever had the privilege of meeting Gordon, you know the importance he placed on his relationship with the LORD and his desire to lead others to Him. If you find yourself doubting where you will spend eternity, know that the only way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. We must accept His free gift of salvation and allow the Holy Spirit to do a work in us to make us more like Christ. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this message to you through the reading of God’s Word, the Bible.

Take heart and guidance in Gordon's favorite Scripture:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

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