Gordon Macmasters

Gordon “Gordie” MacMasters, age 76, of Decorah, Iowa died on Thursday, February 9, 2006 at his home following an apparent heart attack. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 13, 2006 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church with Rev. Gary Krapfl officiating. Burial will be in Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, Iowa. Friends may call on Sunday, February 12th, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. and on Monday morning until 10:30 a.m. at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, in Decorah. There will be a scripture service at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Gordon Joseph “Gordie” MacMasters was born on May 9, 1929, the son of John and Hattie (Holman) Keck Weaver in Decorah, Iowa. Gordy attended Decorah schools and after his mother died, he was adopted by Dr. Edward MacMasters, a local Optometrist, when he was sixteen. Gordon farmed, operated an automobile business and owned several apartment buildings in the Decorah area. Gordie married Helen Riha on May 19, 1969, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gordie was a talented musician, playing his “Saw” and making music with his friends for many years. He played at every Nordic Fest, Winneshiek County Fair and occasionally Thursday nights in front of the Court House during the summer. He was known far and wide for his musical talent, playing the saw and harmonica. He was presented with the National American Music Award which is held each year in Avoca, Iowa. He also traveled with other musicians to Nashville, Tennessee, where they recorded an album. He also enjoyed woodworking and helping Helen in the garden. Gordie was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church and the Coin Club. Gordie’s survivors include his wife, Helen MacMasters, Decorah, IA. One brother: Jack (Nelda) Weaver, Cedar Rapids, IA. Four sisters-in-law: Odella Keck Erickson, Waukon, IA; Clara Riha, Ft. Atkinson, IA; Josephine Huinker, Ossian, IA and Angela Fortney, Chester, MN; One brother-in-law: Clarence Riha, Ft. Atkinson, IA and several nieces and nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; his adopted father, Dr. Ed MacMasters; two half-brothers: Jim Keck and Wes Keck; two half-sisters: Millie Vick and Charlotte Lewis; two brothers-in-law: Joe and George Riha; three sisters-in-law: Georgina Novak, Lillian Polashek and Mary Wenthold.