Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Gordon Roen, age 88, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., passed away Wednesday afternoon October 16, 2024, at Spring Garden Assisted Living Facility where he and his wife of 64 years, Cleone (Chris) Roen resided.

Gordon Oscar Roen was born March 9, 1936, son of Oscar and Agnes (Olson) Roen on the family farm north of Douglas, N.D.. He was raised on the farm and attended rural schools and then high school in Minot, N.D.. He served in the US Army for two years, and then returned to Minot and attended Minot State Teacher’s College (now Minot State University) and earned a teaching degree. He met his future wife while earning his degree.

On December 17, 1960, he was united in marriage to Cleone Christine (Chris) Metz, of Garrison, N.D.. Their first son Scott Gordon Roen was born in 1962 while they attended college. Gordon worked at various jobs while also studying. They both graduated as teachers and took jobs teaching in Burlington, Iowa. After the death of Gordon’s father Oscar, he and his wife returned to North Dakota to be near the farm. Gordon and Chris took teaching jobs in Garrison, N.D., and enjoyed living near Chris’s family. Their second son Corey Dean Roen was born in 1964.

Hoping for better employment opportunities, Gordon and Chris moved to the Denver area in 1966. They both took teaching jobs in Aurora, Colo. Their third son Kevin Lee Roen was born in 1966. They raised their young family while enjoying Colorado, including many family camping trips. They attended St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora, Colo. As their family grew, they realized they missed their close relatives in North Dakota.

In 1978 Gordon moved his family to Bismarck, N.D., and changed careers, dedicating himself to becoming a successful real estate broker. His wife Chris worked as an elementary school teacher. They attended Good Shepard Lutheran Church. His three sons completed high school and then went on to graduate from universities in North Dakota.

With an empty nest, Gordon and Chris moved to Chandler, Arizona in 1986. He continued to work in real estate and Chris continued as a teacher. They attended Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Gordon enjoyed his retirement years with his wife in Sun Lakes, Arizona, participating in many social clubs and church groups. In 1999, they added a second residence, and would spend their summers in Minot, while spending winters in Arizona. After 2011, they resided permanently in Sun Lakes, Ariz. Gordon and Chris were members of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church in Sun Lakes. In 2022, Gordon’s wife Chris suffered a stroke and has been at Spring Garden Assisted Living where Gordon recently joined her.

Survivors: wife Chris; sons Scott (Peg), Parker, Colorado, Corey, Sun Lakes, Ariz., Kevin (Lisa), Aurora, Illinois, 12 grandchildren, brother, Richard, Minot, N.D., sister, Donna, Mesa, Arizona.

Service: Celebration of Life and church service at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church is being planned for January 2025.

Published by The Minot Daily News, October 22, 2024.