The Reverend Gordon Alvin Kloehn, 88, of Spokane, Washington entered into eternal rest on December 28, 2024. Born on May 12, 1936, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, Gordon lived a life defined by faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to his Lord and others.
At an early age, and through the influence of his childhood Pastor, Gordon began his studies in the Lutheran Ministry. His journey started at Northwestern Preparatory School in Watertown, WI, and continued at Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1959. He completed his Master of Divinity at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO in 1963 and began his ordained ministry at St. James Lutheran Church in Holland, MN and St. John’s Lutheran in Woodstock, MN.
While on Easter Break as a seminary student, Gordon met Joanne Seehafer while bowling with friends who soon became the love of his life. They were married on August 19, 1961 and spent over six decades together, devoted to serving others and each other.
Gordon’s ministry was marked by remarkable dedication and historical significance. After accepting a call to St. John’s Lutheran in Selma, AL, he became actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for justice and equality. He was deeply involved in starting a program where the local clergy, both black and white, would gather to mutually discuss community concerns. During this divided time, it was one of the few groups where both races actually communicated together. Gordon was one of just a handful of white clergies to attend a memorial service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King.
His ministry extended to service in the United States Air Force as a Chaplain. Beginning at Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, MT, Gordon’s military career included a tour during the Vietnam War at Phan Rang Air Base (1970–1971), and assignments to Mountain Home AFB, ID (1971–1975), and Hahn AFB, Germany (1975–1976). In 1976, Gordon transitioned to the Air Force Reserve, serving at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Joint Air Reserve Station, MN; Fairchild AFB, Spokane, WA; and Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX. Gordon retired from the military with honors as a full Colonel in 1996.
After leaving active duty, Gordon continued his pastoral work, serving as Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls, WI (1976–1986), and later as Pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Spokane, WA (1986-1992). After his service as a congregational minister, Gordon semi-retired and spent the rest of his pastoral career serving as interim pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lewiston, ID; Grace Lutheran Church, Moses Lake, WA; Faith Lutheran Church, Deer Park, WA; and Peace Lutheran Church, Kent, WA.
One of Gordon’s most memorable experiences was a mission trip to Tanzania, Africa where he ministered and evangelized to the local church community. He led workshops and seminars to help train 300 Tanzanian clergy. The experience was an epiphany for Gordon in terms of personal priorities and perspectives that forever changed his outlook on what makes life fulfilling.
Upon full retirement in 2000, Gordon and Joanne purchased an RV and traveled around the country visiting family and friends. They eventually purchased two condos in Tucson, AZ - one for themselves where they wintered as snowbirds and one that they called “Jesus’s House” which they made available to visiting family, friends, and airmen temporarily assigned to duty at Davis-Monthan AFB.
Gordon’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Kloehn and by his children: Paul, Ann Arbor, MI; Kristi Jones (Karl), Western Springs, IL; Mark, Spokane, WA; and Kelly Selby (Jonathan), Spokane, WA. Gordon loved his eight grandchildren (Kayla, Tristan, London, Megan, Nathan, Madison, Logan, and Naomi); and two great-grandchildren (Kora and Gordon). He was preceded in death by his parents, Reinhold and Agnes, and brother, Harvey (Ann), whose memories he cherished.
Gordon’s life was a testament to his faith, love, and the power of service. His legacy of compassion, wisdom, and commitment will forever inspire those who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Spokane on 4 January 2025 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Hospice of Spokane (https://www.hospiceofspokane.org/giving/memorial-giving/) and/or Mission Community Outreach Center (https://www.4mission.org/donate-funds/) in Gordon's memory.
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