Gordon F. Loebig

SUN CITY WEST - Gordon F. Loebig, Col. (USAF ret.) died on June 10, 2012. Born in Lismore, Minn. on October 15, 1918, Gordon grew up in Wesley, Iowa. He enlisted in the Army in 1940 and made a career of the military, joining the Air Force in 1949. Gordon was considered a rare "Mustang" as he progressed from Private to full Colonel throughout his military career. He retired in 1974 after 31 years of active duty. He earned a masters degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Arkansas and his military decorations included the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and the Meritorious Medal. Gordon married his first love, Betty Jane Arndorfer, in 1947 and enjoyed 51 wonderful years of marriage - together they raised four children. Betty passed away in 1998. In 2000, Gordon married a cherished family friend, Carolyn H. Gordon, and they enjoyed 12 years of marriage. Gordon is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn; as well as four children and their spouses, Judy and Strat Stepan of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Susan and Mark (deceased) Phelps of Stockton, Cali., Mary and Stephen Teehan of Dennis, Mass., and Doug and Cynthia Loebig of Durango, Colo. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Matthew, Jovanna, Brienne, Caitlin, Lucas, Maxwell, and Mae, as well as many devoted nephews and nieces. He held his friends and family very close to his heart, and was a loving and supportive son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather throughout his entire life. A funeral mass will be held 10:30 a.m., on October 12, 2012, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wesley, Iowa with inurnment in St. Joseph's Cemetery immediately following the mass. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to memorialize him, support one of Gordon's favorite charities including Hospice and St. Vincent de Paul Society, or a charity of their choice.