Gordon Lindquist

Gordon Lindquist, age 80, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Fairway View Neighborhoods.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville, MN. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church with a prayer service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Pastor Cheryl Rondeau-Bassett will officiate, and interment will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

Gordon Fred Lindquist was born on July 13, 1945, in Graceville, MN, to Fred and Clara (Helgeson) Lindquist. He grew up on the Lindquist family farm north of Ortonville, where his love of agriculture began. Gordon attended rural School District No. 2 through fourth grade before graduating from Ortonville High School in 1963. He fondly shared stories of “country school” and his involvement in Future Farmers of America.

Gordon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota in 1969. While there, he studied in Germany through a work-study program, sparking a life-long love of travel, languages, and other cultures. He went on to serve in the United States Peace Corps from 1969 to 1971 as an agricultural instructor in Sarawak, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo – an experience that became a treasured source of stories throughout his life.

On April 6, 1974, Gordon was united in marriage with Diane Krier in Correll, MN. Together, they shared nearly 52 years of marriage, building a life on the family farm, and raising their children: Heidi and Mark. Gordon took great pride in his family and especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren: Braden and Brooklyn.

Throughout his life, Gordon held a variety of roles, all connected to his passion for agriculture. He farmed in the Ortonville area, taught Vocational Agriculture at Ortonville High School, and worked as a district manager for Custom Farm Seed. He later went to work at West-Con Cooperative until his retirement in 2013.

A true “do-it-yourselfer”, Gordon could often be found working on projects ranging from carpentry and wiring, to welding and home renovation. He loved the outdoors, including: deer hunting, fishing, observing wildlife, making maple syrup, and cutting wood to heat the family home. In recent years, Gordon enjoyed gardening and cultivating a small vineyard with plans of making wine.

Gordon was an early adopter of technology and enjoyed spending time on the computer, as well as listening to classical music. His love of travel continued throughout his life. He visited 40 states and more than 25 countries, crossing the Atlantic by both plane and ship. Gordon even circled the globe on his return from the Peace Corps. He enjoyed speaking German and had also studied Malay, Latin, and French.

Gordon was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ortonville, where he was baptized and confirmed. He served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher for 24 years, as well as many other roles within the church.

Gordon is survived by his cherished wife, Diane Lindquist of Ortonville, MN; daughter, Heidi (Matt) Bucher of Fergus Falls, MN; son, Mark Lindquist (Aliona Plotnikova) of Lviv, Ukraine; two grandchildren: Braden and Brooklyn Bucher; sister, Myrna (John) Adams of Lakeville, MN; many nieces and nephews; along with many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Charles “Chuck” (Sharilyn) Lindquist, and Derald Lindquist.

Gordon’s life was marked by hard work, service, and a spirit of exploration. He will be remembered for his stories, his steady presence, and the many ways he connected with the people and the world around him.