Gaylord Gossard, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on October 4, 2024. Born and raised on a farm near Kasson, Minnesota, Gaylord's life was deeply rooted in family, farming, and community service. His early years were spent helping his father on their family farm, where he became his dad’s "right-hand man" after a farming accident.
Gaylord attended West Concord High School, where he played football and basketball and was actively involved in 4-H and FFA. After graduating, he joined the Army Reserve before fully committing to farming. In 1965, he married his beloved wife, Penne, and together they raised three children and operated a successful family farm in Dodge Center with his sister and brother-in-law Quentin and Marion Kleinwort.
In 1968, Gaylord survived a near-fatal accident involving an electrical wire, a life-altering event that left him with lasting memories but no serious health issues. He continued farming and remained active in his community, serving on the West Concord school board, Dodge County Farm Bureau, and the American Dairy Association. He also worked at McNeilus Steel for 18 years, traveling as far as Japan for his work, and later took on a role with the USDA, conducting farm surveys.
A devout Christian, Gaylord was a long-time member of Faith Community Church in West Concord and served with Gideons International, raising funds to distribute Bibles around the world. His faith deepened after the passing of his father-in-law in 1976, leading him to a personal relationship with Jesus. Gaylord and Penne also welcomed 17 agricultural exchange students from across the world into their home, fostering lifelong connections and cross-cultural exchange.
Gaylord’s love for family, his dedication to God, and his commitment to helping others defined his life. He is survived by his wife Penne, their children Chad (Andrea) Gossard of Mantorville, MN.; Shannon (Kerry) Mattson of Mound, MN.; and Gunar (Erica) Gossard of Minneapolis, MN.; as well as eight cherished grandchildren Thomas, Olivia, Sophia and Alayna; Meagan and Kendra; Eleanor and Maren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents Carlyle and Viola Gossard, sister Joanne Bennerotte, brother in laws Charlie Bennerotte, Bill Harvey, and Harvard Jendersee. Sister-in-law Peggy Jendersee and parents in law Charles and Gladys Twitchell.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday October 9, 2024 at Faith Community Church in West Concord, MN from 4:00-7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at Faith Community Church on Thursday October 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM with visitation open at 10:00 AM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Community Church or Gideons International in Gaylord's honor.
