Gordon Kanne, 94, Hudson, Wis.

Published 11:39 am Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Gordon H. Kanne, 94, of Hudson, Wis., died early on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012. Gordon was born on Aug. 24, 1918, to Herbert and Lois (Poirier) Kanne in Minnesota’s Agassiz Township. He attended and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1937 and went on to attend college at Bradley University. Gordon also proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II. On Nov. 26, 1944, Gordon was united in marriage to Avanelle Gregoire. The marriage was blessed with two sons, Larry and Greg.

Gordon worked as a watchmaker and jeweler and was employed at Stadheim Jewelers in Albert Lea. When he wasn’t working, Gordon was a lifetime learner and achieved many technical certifications. He was forever tinkering, recycling and innovating. He loved the outdoors and could often be found gardening, canoeing, camping and taking photos.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Avanelle of Hudson, Wis.; sons, Larry Kanne of Woodland Park, Colo., and Greg (Samantha) Kanne of Hudson, Wis.; grandchildren, Ryan (Paula) Kanne of St. Paul, Nicole Kanne of Woodbury and Ashley Mess of Bemidji; step-grandchildren, Lora and Jason Felix of Hudson, Wis.; and great-granddaughters, Alyssa and Katie Mess of Bemidji.

The family requests memorials be directed to local community education programs.

There will be no formal service, and private burial will be held.

Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, Wis.