Gordon George Gessleman passed away at his home in Culbertson, NE, at the age of 86, on February 17, 2026.

Gordon was born on October 24, 1939, to parents Charles and Elsie (Worley) Gessleman in McCook, NE. Gordon was raised on the family farm where he graduated from Culbertson High School in 1957.

Gordon proudly served in the Army National Guard from 1963 to 1969. During this time, he met Donna J. Hoisington in Denver, CO. Donna was working as a telephone operator and Gordon was driving truck, and the two were married on January 16, 1963. Gordon and Donna welcomed two children into the world: Travis and Theresa.

Gordon started his professional career as a truck driver hauling cattle and hogs to Denver and Omaha, NE. He also did a lot of custom harvesting and jobs such as chopping silage, combining corn and wheat, and swathing and bailing. He ended up working back on the family farm in Culbertson which is now turning into a 3rd generation farm. Gordon has a consignment auction for 30 years that started in McCook and moved to Culbertson.

Gordon and Donna would take many trips up to Denver for Rockies baseball, hockey games, and the Denver Stockshow every year. Gordon was a collector of items, from toy tractors, antique equipment, to belt buckles. He was always wheeling and dealing to save a penny on trucks, tractors, and equipment. Gordon and Donna would have card nights with their couple friends where they would play pinochle.

Gordon will be remembered for his grumpiness, driving well below the speed limit, black pepper on cottage cheese, milk with every meal, and finding a bargain.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents, brother Claud Gessleman, and wife Donna Gessleman of 47 years.

Those who are left to celebrate Gordon are his son Travis (Lynn) Gessleman of Culbertson and daughter Theresa (Robert) Brush of McCook; grandchildren, Justin (Katy) Gessleman, Austin Gessleman (Haley), Amanda (William) Ortiz, and Derrick Brush; great-grandchildren, Mia Grace, Kimberlynn Elsie, and a boy on the way; sisters-in-law, Marion (Ric) Rodgers of Centennial, CO and Loree Hoisington of Aurora, CO; and numerous extended family members

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, are suggested in Gordon's name to Culbertson Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 142, Culbertson, NE 69024; OR the Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department, PO Box 463, McCook, NE 69001.