Gordon Eugene Roesler

September 9, 1936 – August 17, 2009

Gordon Eugene Roesler, age 72, of Perry, OK, passed from this life on August 17, 2009, at his home.

Born on September 9, 1936, in Noble County, OK, just north of Perry, he was the son of Herb and Bertha (Foreman) Roesler. As a youngster, Gordon attended Fairview and Four D Rural Schools from 1st through 8th grade. He attended Perry High School from 9th through 12th grade and graduated in 1954. Gordon’s friends gave him the nickname “Goose.” While in high school he began wrestling. His senior year, continuing Perry’s wrestling tradition, Goose won 1st in Regionals and at the Geary Tournament, and finished 3rd at state.

After completing high school, Gordon attended the University of Oklahoma where he wrestled heavy weight on the OU team from 1956 to 1958. During that time, his many wrestling accomplishments included taking NCAA 1st in 1956, NCAA 3rd in 1957 and NCAA 2nd in 1958. He won 2nd at the National AAU competition in San Francisco, California in 1958. In addition, he won the Big 7 in 1956 and 1957 and the Big 8 in 1958. In 1959, Gordon graduated from OU with a degree in Industrial Education.

After college, Gordon returned home to Perry where he began working for Brent Oden for the next two years before returning to the farm his family owned. For the past 46 years, Gordon was very active in farming and running his own bulldozing service. He also enjoyed woodcarving, camping, fishing, reading, television and his animals.

In 1974 at the age of 38 years, this long time bachelor married Nita Anderson Alexander. One of Gordon’s major accomplishments was immediately becoming a father to five wonderful children. After raising their children, Gordon and Nita continued to enjoy living north of Perry, near Black Bear Creek.

Survivors include his wife: Nita Roesler of the home; 5 Children: Jodi Mount and husband John of Atlanta, GA; Judi Krause and husband Dave of Gilbertsville, PA; Jeri Skinner of Bethany, OK; Joni Kessler of New Braunsfels, TX;
Jon Alexander of Perry, OK; “Other Daughter”: Ronna Baird and husband Dr. Blake Baird of Perry, OK; 11 Grandchildren, 9 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Brother: Marvin Roesler of Grove, OK.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for Gordon Eugene Roesler, age 72, of Perry, OK are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2009, at the First Christian Church with Martin Foster officiating. Interment will be in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Perry PAWS or Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.