Ardel James Gorman, 71, of Austin, died Friday, June 24, 2011, at Sacred Heart Care Center.

Ardel was born July 28, 1939, in Austin to Gerald and Rosalia (Elsbernd) Gorman. On May 12, 1962, he was united in marriage to Yvonne Valley at St. Augustine Church in St. Cloud, Minn.

Ardel served in the United States Navy. He worked at Hormel, Minn., Valley Engineering in New Prague, and Cybex in Owatonna. Ardel was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Catholic United Financial, Boy Scouts of America Troop 113, Minnesota Canoe Association and was the founder of the Desert Chapter of the Minnesota Canoe Association and the P-9 United Support Group.

He enjoyed canoeing, bicycling, camping, being outdoors and time with family, especially doing activities grandchildren. Ardel enjoyed coffee and conversation with his friends of the P-9 United Support Group.

Survivors include his wife, Yvonne of Austin; children, Kenneth (Sheryl) Gorman of Austin, Michael (Kathy) Gorman of Rochester, Barbara (Timothy) Trimble of Austin, Steven (Gail) Gorman of Davie, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; siblings, Wayne (Darlene) Gorman of Austin, Anna May (Robert) Schneberger of West Union, Iowa, Colette Schaefer of McIntire, Iowa, Mary Kay (Arnold) Olson of Minneapolis; mother-in-law of Cyrilla Valley, St. Cloud.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two nephews; brother-in-law; father-in-law.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. There will be a 6:30 pm wake service on Wednesday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 pm and also one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91.

The honorary casket bearers will be Stephanie Gorman and Sierra Gorman. The casket bearers will be Nathan Trimble, Isaac Gorman, Dan Olson, Alan Schneberger, Eric Schaefer and Bradley Gorman.