Gordon Corliss Grover

GORDON CORLISS GROVER, age 86, of Mankato formerly of Amboy, died Monday, May 4, 2015, at Keystone Assisted Living. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 2:00pm, at First Presbyterian Church in Amboy, with Rev. Elaine Boyd officiating. Burial will be in Sterling Cemetery, Amboy. Visitation time will be from 5:00-7:00PM Thursday, May 7, 2015, at First Presbyterian Church, 240 E. North Street in Amboy. Web tributes may be left at www.spencerowen.com Gordon Corliss Grover died on May 4, 2015 from complications of Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s robbed Gordon of his memory but did not affect his pleasant personality or his ability to show love to his loved ones. Tops on that list was the love of his life and wife of 62 years, Janet (Cox). Gordon and Janet were married July 27, 1952 during a thunderstorm that turned out the lights. It was the beginning of a beautiful partnership that accepted life’s challenges and laughed at its absurdities. Gordon was a father and mentor to his six children; Grant, Don, Tom, Ann, Neal and Beth. Gordon was proud of each child and the adults they grew to be. Gordon loved farming, more as a lifestyle than a career. He enjoyed the change of seasons, the optimism of spring and the excitement of fall harvest. He liked sharing his work day with Janet and his kids. Gordon milked cows for 30 years. He was proud of having a Class A dairy farm and farming the land that his ancestors homesteaded. While Gordon enjoyed traveling to new places, playing golf, riding bike and singing, he most enjoyed people – old friends, family or new friends. He liked meeting people and telling stories – most of which had a root in the truth. Gordon taught us all that we should not let facts get in the way of a good story! Gordon was the son of Corliss and Hope Grover born on July 9, 1928. He was welcomed home by his sisters Helen, Betty and Harriett and brother Winton. Gordon grew up on the same farm where he lived and worked until he moved to Amboy. As a child, Gordon first attended school in the one room Sterling School and later graduated from Amboy High School. Gordon enrolled and began college at the University of Minnesota but ended his studies when his father Corliss’ health required him to return to the family farm. Gordon was an avid reader and learner who often described his time at the U as one of the happiest of his life. Gordon is survived by his wife Janet, his children and their spouses; Grant Grover and Mary Haven, Don and Susan Grover, Tom and Donnelle Grover, Ann and David DeWitz, Neal and Shelli Grover, Beth and Tim Wiederholt. Gordon is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Harriett and Wes Bonnett, sister-in-law Audrey Cox, seventeen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends and neighbors. Gordon is preceded in death by his parents Corliss and Hope Grover, his brothers Winton and baby Wilfred, his sisters and brother-in-laws Helen and Ralph Briggs and Betty and Jack Park, in-laws Howard and Hazel Cox, brother-in-law Howard Cox Jr.; and his dear friend Stuart Hall. Memorials should be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Amboy where Gordon was an active (but slightly tardy) member.