Gordon, Michael 'Todd'

Michael “Todd” Gordon, 59, of Iowa City, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010, from injuries he received in a vehicular accident near Ainsworth. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at St. Mary's Church, with the Rev. John Spiegel officiating. Burial, with military honors, will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, and after 9 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Todd was born March 8, 1951, in Iowa City, the son of John “Jack” and Lorraine (Hobbs) Gordon. He attended St. Mary's Elementary School and was a 1969 graduate of Regina High School. From 1969-1972, he served as a medic corpsman in the U.S. Navy. Upon returning to Iowa after his service, Todd met and courted the love of his life, Sue Seydel, of Iowa City. The two were married on Sept. 22, 1973, at St. Mary's Church.

In 1980, after a successful career with Todd Gordon Construction Co., Todd established Gordon Lumber Co. in Mount Vernon. He quickly became a trusted builder in the area. Todd had a strong work ethic and taught those around him, “The more you do, the more you can do.” His love of Hackney Harness Ponies led him to also own the Jerald Sulky Co. in Waterloo.

Todd was a hardworking man who believed in giving to others through philanthropy. He was a proud supporter of the Regina Catholic Education Center, Mercy Hospital Foundation, Miracles in Motion and Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization which had benefitted his grandson. Todd enjoyed owning and showing Hackney horses. He was a lifelong member, and served as president of the Mid-States Hackney Association and the American Hackney Horse Society. He was a member of St. Mary's Church.

Todd was a loving husband, a wonderful father, a devoted grandfather, brother and a friend. His gentle strength, kindness and wisdom touched many lives. A rock to so many, Todd will be greatly missed.

Todd is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sue; their daughters, Erin (Eric) Pottebaum of Carrollton, Texas, Katy (Matt) Brown of Iowa City; their son, Tim (Jennifer) Gordon of Solon; two grandsons, Jack Pottebaum and Cooper Brown; four granddaughters, Madelyn Brown, Lucy Pottebaum, Samantha Brown and Peyton Gordon; six siblings, Dennis (Jackie) of Iowa City, Dave of Coralville, Anita (Steve) Puffer of Coralville, Sue (Dan) Englebrecht of Dyersville, Brett and Jim of Iowa City; nieces and nephews; and his mother-in-law, Mary Seydel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Joan; and father-in-law, Sy Seydel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Regina Foundation, Mercy Hospital Foundation or to Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to