Gordon L. Derleth, age 84, of Menasha, Wis., and formerly of Tomahawk, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, Wis. Gordy was born in Athens, Wis., on Feb. 4, 1940, to the late Laverne and Mildred (Mueller) Zastrow. He was married to Patricia Olson on Feb. 4, 1983; she passed away on July 27, 2021.
Gordon attended Tomahawk High School and later entered the workforce as a local State Farm Agent. He proudly served in the Army National Guard. He then began employment at the Tomahawk Paper Mill (formally known as Owens-Illinois) where he was a paper tester for almost 40 years.
Gordon was a flag man at the Tomahawk Speedway for many years. He raced snowmobiles for the Derleth Brothers Racing Team. Gordon was a member of the Somo Fish and Game Club and loved to hunt and fish. He had a passion for woodworking and making signs. He coached and umped baseball and softball for years.
In retirement he enjoyed four-wheel rides with his late wife, Patty, and their friends. He enjoyed trips to the casino. He volunteered every Wednesday for the local Backpack Program. Gordon looked forward to visits from his kids and grandkids and you would often find him rocking one to sleep. Gordon had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. He loved his family immensely. He was a blessing to all who knew him.
Survivors include his sons, David Derleth, Michael (Paula) Derleth, Edwin Derleth, Jamie Derleth, and Chad Derleth; his daughters, Vicki Rouleau, Daisy Kubitschek, Dawn Derleth, and Missy (Dustin) Clark; his brothers, George (Lynn) Derleth and Evan (Terry) Derleth; and his sisters, Althea (Ervin) Tiffany, Jeannie (Arthur) Osero, and Eileen (Roger) Hintz. Gordy is further survived by his grandchildren, Brett, Kyle, Max, Lauren, Mark, Kerra, Aiden, Addison, Connor, Hunter, Aubriana, Matt, Nicole, Amy, Stephen, Tricia, and Tara.
He was preceded in death by his father, Laverne; his mother and stepfather, Mildred and George; and his wife, Patricia.
Memorial services for Gordon Derleth were held on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Generations Funeral Home. Rev. Larry Mathein officiated. The family received friends for visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. You may view Gordon’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.