Gordon Lee Moser

Gordon Lee Moser was born April 24, 1931 in Hickman, Nebraska to Walter William Moser and Virginia Ruth (Buel) Moser. He was the youngest of three children and lived in Hickman until he was a teenager when his family moved to a farm just west of town. He graduated from Hickman High School in 1948. During his teenage years, Gordon worked on the family farm as well as in the family automotive repair business, Moser Garage. Gordon enjoyed showing cattle with 4-H and singing in the Hickman High School choir. Gordon was drafted into the Army in 1951 and completed Basic Training in Missouri and Radio School in Arkansas. He was a proud Veteran of the Korean War after being stationed in Korea as a radio operator with the 72nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Division until early 1953. He celebrated his 19th birthday in Korea.

Following active military service, Gordon returned home and soon followed the love of his life, Unis Yvonne Broers, to Des Moines, Iowa where he began employment with O’Dea Chevrolet in 1953. On September 30, 1956 Gordon married Unis, a Broadlawns Nursing School student. Drawing on his well-honed auto mechanic skills and pride in owning gleaming, finely tuned Chevys (yes, all the best ones from the 1950s forward), Gordon quickly established a strong customer base and enjoyed a long, successful career as a GM-certified technician at several Des Moines area dealerships; he retired April 1993. Inseparable and lovingly devoted to one another, Gordon and Unis raised three sons, Jeffrey William (1959), Mark Gordon (1962), and Jason Andrew (1968) during their busy family years in Des Moines.

Gordon had a kind heart and always saw the good in others. He dedicated his precious free time to the activities of his children and grandchildren, including church, Scouting, Soap Box Derby, travel/camping, and numerous school-related events. He was also a passionate volunteer sharing his time and talents in photography, woodworking, church choral music, and home/auto repair. Although his life’s journey didn’t include a college education, Gordon was an unwavering advocate of higher education. He provided invaluable support and encouragement so his sons could graduate from ISU, the U of I, and NAS Pensacola, which helped his sons establish successful careers. Gordon was honored to participate aboard two Navy Tiger Cruises with aviator son, Jason.

Later in life Gordon and Unis took up RVing and travel to locations in and around Iowa and Nebraska, as well as a few favorite tropical destinations. They lived a self-sufficient, comfortable life and enjoyed an abundance of love for one another and their children and grandchildren. In early 2003, Gordon suffered a major stroke that reduced his mobility and independence. After decades in Des Moines, Gordon and Unis moved to Iowa City, Iowa in 2005 to be closer to family and the many fun-filled happenings of grandchildren. In 2013, Unis, his lifelong love and caring companion of 56 years, died suddenly of complications from cancer and Gordon moved to a local assisted living center and then in 2014 to a nearby skilled care center. A highlight of Gordon’s final years was participating in a military Honor Flight to Washington, DC with his oldest son, Jeff. His witty “Gordonisms” will forever be etched on our hearts. Gordon, our wonderful Dad, passed away on April 30, 2018 of natural causes in Coralville, IA in the loving company of family.

Gordon’s family includes, Unis, his late wife, sons Jeffrey (Laura Vint) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Mark (Lisa Lisbona) of Iowa City, IA, and Jason (Carla Hoffman) of Mechanicsville, MD. His treasured grandchildren include Baylen, Megan, Justin (Brittany Appel), Krista (Clay Shirk), Marie, Lee (Kristin Strong), Caitlin Vint, Kyle Vint, and great granddaughters Zoe and Hayden. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Earl.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, Music Ministries, Iowa City, IA.

Service, burial, and reception will take place at McLarens Resthaven, 801 19th St, West Des Moines, IA beginning at 11 am on Thursday, May 10, 2018. Pastor Kyle Otterbein of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church will officiate.

Gordon’s family wishes to thank his many caregivers and Dr. Margo Schilling.