Obituary

Gordon Ellsworth Hanstad, 96, of Rockford, was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Wesley Willows in Rockford, IL. Gordon was born to Gilbert and Mildred (Jacobsen) Hanstad on July 30, 1928 in Conway, Washington. He attended Mt. Vernon (Washington) High School and Skagit Valley Junior College. While a senior in high school, he was called by God into full-time Christian ministry. Later he enrolled at Bethel College and Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, graduating in 1955. In his 43 years of pastoral ministry, he served churches in Coeur d’Alene, ID, Bremerton, WA, Denver, CO and Rockford, IL. In 1989 he returned to Bremerton, WA retiring in 1999. Retirement years were spent serving seven interim ministry positions, giving Gordon further opportunity to do what he loved best; care for people and preach the Word.

Gordon was passionate about sharing his faith with others. A loyal, faithful servant, he demonstrated compassion and concern with his gentle strength and close walk with the Lord. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his joy in telling stories, and his ability to relate to people of all walks of life.

Gordon is survived by his high school sweetheart and bride of 76 years, Patricia; his children, Marcia (Jim) Spon, Mark (Dina) Hanstad, and Marlin (Susan) Hanstad; his grandchildren, Emily (Josh) Herod, Andrew (Shannon) Spon, Ryan (Olivia) Hanstad, Sarah (Joe) Daley, and Chris (Allison) Hanstad; and his great-grandchildren, Austin, Annabelle, Abigail, Olivia, Harrison, Charlie, Lucy, Evelyn, Winnie, Nora, Gordon and Roman.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025 at Crosspoint Church, 3215 E. State St., Rockford. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Crosspoint Church, or Rockford Rescue Mission where Gordon served as an elder. To share a memory or condolence visit olsonfh.com