BOONE, Iowa—Funeral arrangements are set for 87 year old Gordon Thomas Quam of Boone, Iowa. He passed passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in a farm accident on November 7, 2021.
He was born November 23, 1933 to Truman and Minnie Quam on the family homestead near Stanhope Iowa. He attended country school and then graduated from Story City High School.
Growing up he was very involved in 4-H, showing hogs and winning many awards including the State Championship Boar one year.
While serving his country after high school in the Army he was stationed in Texas and Kansas. In 1954, while on leave, he married Laura Hassebrock who was a teacher in the Story City School. They celebrated their 67th anniversary this spring.
His primary role in the Army was to service planes for the Officers Flying School. Gordon became friends with many of the officers and also became a certified pilot.
After honorably discharged, he enrolled in the Business School at Drake University. While working several jobs, renting rooms to boarders and welcoming daughter Debra and son Dennis, he graduated after just three years.
After graduation he was employed by Brenton Bank in Dallas Center. But, the lure of the land brought him back to Hamilton County where he worked for Farmer’s State Bank in Stanhope for many years and also had responsibilities including insurance and real estate.
The family moved to Boone in 1972 when Gordon had the opportunity to purchase several insurance agencies and eventually became a Century 21 realtor with Laura. He deeply appreciated his associates and customers, many long term, who became friends over the subsequent years.
Gordon and Laura enjoyed many travel adventures both in the states and worldwide for both pleasure and agricultural perspectives.
He was a long-time member of the Lion’s Club in both Stanhope and Boone as well as Augustana Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife Laura, daughter Debra (Joe) Martino, Virginia, and son Dennis (Chris) Quam, Boone. Grandsons Jason (fiancé Kaity) Quam, Pennsylvania, and Ryan Quam, Des Moines, Jack Martino, New York and granddaughter Grace Martino, California. Step-grandsons Kurt, Texas and Tim (Margaret) Martino, New York. Brother Nolan (Linda) Quam, Des Moines, and Brother-in-law Wayne (Barb) Hassebrock, Webster City. Sister-in-law Barbara Hassebrock, Texas and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins and Brother-in law Harold Hassebrock.
His passions were his family, friends and farming.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 11, 2021 from 1 pm to 7 pm at the Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home (609 7th St. Boone, IA 50036). The family will be present to greet friends from 5 pm to 7 pm. The funeral will be held 10:30 am Friday, November 12, 2021 at Augustana Lutheran Church (309 S. Greene St. Boone, IA 50036) lunch will follow at Cedar Pointe Golf and Country Club (601 S. Cedar St. Boone, IA 50036). Interment will be at the Story City Fairview Cemetery (908 Grand Ave. Story City, IA 50248) at 2:30 pm for those who would like to join.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Augustana Lutheran Church or the Boone Lion’s Club.
The Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone, Iowa is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Gordon Quam, 87, Boone, Iowa
