Gordon Joseph Pickett

Gordon Joseph Pickett, formerly of Wabasso, Minnesota was born on January 18, 1948 to Bernadine and Arthur Pickett. He was the oldest of twelve children. He graduated St. Anne’s High School in 1966. He then entered the army and served two years, part of which was in Vietnam. For his service he was awarded four medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He also served two years in the Coast Guard. In 1981 he married Betty Thayer. His son Luke, was born in 1982. They later divorced. Gordon lived most of his life in Washington State as a long-distance truck driver.

Gordon passed away on April 1, 2018 in Seattle, Washington after a hard battle with cancer. He is predeceased by: mother, Bernadine Haag, father, Arthur Pickett, sister, Charlotte Pickett, all eleven of his father’s siblings, Aunt Janey Schunk, Aunt Claris Frericks, Uncle Lyle Dehmlow, Uncle Father Gerry Schunk, Uncle Joseph Schunk Jr., maternal grandparents Gertrude and Joseph Schunk, paternal grandparents Minnie and Howard Pickett, and brother in law Duane Brecht. He is survived by: son Luke, stepfather Dale Haag, and his siblings, Melissa, Paula, Amy, Daphne, Jeffrey, Fayette, Francine, Randall, and Wendell. Other survivors include: his lifelong friends Sharon Timm of Arizona, and all his Washington friends Merle and Patty Durant, Teresa Madson, Bob Plummer, Ken Whitmann, Tim, Billy, Leroy and his favorite therapy dogs Max and Winston. He is also survived by twenty-two nieces and nephews.

Gordon enjoyed good food and friends, arguing politics, and driving truck. He would give you the shirt off his back and always believed in the underdog.

Gordon’s service will be Friday, May 4, 2018 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota at 10:30 am with full Military Honors. Luncheon reception to follow immediately at his stepfather, Dale Haag’s home, 26475 Zachary Avenue, New Market, Minnesota.

Special thanks to VA Puget Sound Healthcare and all the doctors, nurses, therapists, and staff that helped care for him. You are all angels.

In his memory, contributions may be made to some of his favorite causes: Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warriors Project and Paralyzed Veterans of America.