Ryan Allen Gordon, 42, of Farmington, Minn., and formerly of Adams passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester following a six-month battle with stomach cancer.

Ryan was born on March 29, 1969, in Austin, Minn., to Roger and Shirley (Matheis) Gordon. He graduated from Southland High School in 1987 and continued his education at Winona State University graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree in 1992. He worked for several years at Allianz in Golden Valley and was currently working as the Director of Internal Audit at United Healthgroup in Minnetonka, Minn. On Dec. 11, 1993, Ryan married Michelle Durst and together they had a son, Jacob. On May 20, 2006, on the shores of Lake Superior, Ryan married Shannon Trende. This union blessed Ryan with another son, Brecken. His wife and his sons were his most cherished loves.

Ryan had a great passion for the game of golf and was currently a member of Northfield Golf Club. He loved to play in tournaments with his Dad and brother. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. Ryan and Shannon took many trips to the Trende cabin and to the North Shore of Minnesota. Ryan always showed his devotion to his family. His family was ever present in his activities. Whether he was golfing, snowmobiling, or just walking around the block, he included his family.

Ryan was a leader in every sense of the word. He showed that leadership ability with his latest battle. Ryan faced this adversary head-on with strength, courage, determination, and hope, which was truly inspiring for those around him. His “Lion’s Roar” was heard by everyone and they came to his side forming his “Pride.”

Ryan was preceded in death by grandparents, Roy and Leona Gordon, Joseph Matheis; uncle, Richard Matheis; aunt, Bonnie Anderson.

Ryan is survived by his wife, Shannon of Farmington, Minn.; sons, Jacob and Brecken Gordon of Farmington; parents, Roger and Shirley Gordon of Adams; brother, Chad Gordon of Adams; mother-in-law and father-in-law, David and Laurie Trende of Watertown, Minn.; sister-in-law, Sommer (Paul) Eveslage of Waconia, Minn.; brother-in-law, Tyler Trende of Watertown; nephew, Cooper Eveslage; grandmother, Velma Matheis of Adams; aunts; uncles; cousins and the rest of his “Pride.”

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Adams with Father Thomas Loomis officiating. Interment will be at Little Cedar Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Adams Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and for one hour before the service on Thursday at the church.

In Lieu of Flowers the family prefers memorials to St. Jude Cancer Research or NorthfIeld Community Hospital for Infusion Center Expansion or Donations to Jacob and Brecken’s college funds.