Gordon C. Watters

ASHLAND, Wis. - Gordon C. Watters, age 76, of Ashland, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Gordy was born July 17, 1937, in Ironwood, Mich., the son of Samuel "Chet" and Phyllis (Trethewey) Watters and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1955. After working in Milwaukee in industrial printing, he returned to Ironwood and was hired as a laborer at the White Pine Copper Mine. After a few years he was promoted to shift foreman and supervised highly productive mining crews for the remaining 12 years of his employment. In 1966, he married Karyn Ellos of Ironwood who became his soulmate and dearest friend for 47 years.

Gordy and Karyn moved with their young family to Ashland in 1973, where they purchased and operated the Home Electric Appliance store. He also graduated from WITC with an associate degree in accounting. For several years he was a bookkeeper at Dean's Auto Clinic and most recently worked for the Ashland County Aging Unit as a van driver delivering bulk meals to the various nutrition sites in Ashland County.

Gordy had a life-long interest in science, electronics, technology and especially computers. He was an avid reader of mysteries, science and science fiction, and loved to listen to Wisconsin Public Radio. He had the ability to learn whatever he put his mind to, and was a remarkable handyman, whether with vehicles or home projects.

Although Gordy was a private person, he was generous with his heart and his time. He loved being able to help friends and neighbors, and always made everyone laugh. For many years Gordy gladly supported Karyn's teaching career by taking over the household chores such as cleaning, cooking and laundry. His culinary skills were admirable whether he was grilling or making his awesome chili, and his family will never forget that garlic was his favorite ingredient.

But even with Gordy's varied interests, his most pleasurable times were being with family and friends, talking and laughing. This amiable man will be greatly missed.

Gordy was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert.

Left to cherish many wonderful memories are his loving family: wife, Karyn (Ellos); children, Geoff, of Wausau, Brynna (Andrew) Moffitt, of Ashland, and Rachel (Erik Wilhelm), of Verona; and grandchildren, Lauren Watters, Meg-han Moffitt, and Jack and Nathaniel Wilhelm.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Frost Home for Funerals, 610 Ellis Ave., Ashland, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at 10 a.m., with a memorial service at 11 a.m. and a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Ashland Senior Center or Wisconsin Public Radio.

Gordy's family wishes to thank the staff of Ashland Health & Rehab Center and Regional Hospice for their professional and loving care of him.

To view the obituary online, sign the guestbook or send private condolences, please visit us at bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com.