Gordon Mixdorf

GORDON FRANK MIXDORF

Iowa City

Gordon Frank Mixdorf, 81, of Iowa City, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, Oct. 3, 2016. A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at First Presbyterian Church of Iowa City. A reception to share memories will follow. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Gordon's memory. To share a thought, memory or condolence, please go to the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.

Gordon was born May 21, 1935, in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State Teachers College with both bachelor's and master's degrees in 1958 and 1959 and obtained his doctorate in education from the University of Iowa in 1976. He taught in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City school systems for 35 years and continued his passion for education after retirement by volunteering as tutor for both West High students and University of Iowa student-athletes. He loved to teach middle and high school students, where his impact could be the greatest. He once said, "My philosophy is that I want people to learn a lot and apply what they have learned. I want people to succeed." His students will remember him as a tough teacher but one who had a long lasting impact on their learning lives.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary; and his children, Jeff Mixdorf of Seattle, Wash., Erin (Greg) Hume of Arlington, Va., and Greg Mixdorf of Iowa City. He was grandfather to Zach, Nathan, Myra, Justin, Ayla and Chris, and great-grandfather to Aria. He is also survived by a sister, Marlys Sowers of Postville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Isabel Mixdorf; and his in-laws, Harold and Margaret Higgins.

A lifelong Hawkeye fan, Gordon could often be found courtside at men's and women's basketball games and tailgating at every football game. He was honored for being a season ticket holder for over 40 years. His Hawkeye spirit was so great that in lieu of goodbye he always said a spirited "Go Hawks!"