Gorden Marjama

Gorden Lee Marjama, age 74, a long time Menahga, MN area resident, peacefully passed from this life to eternal life in the comfort of his own home in Menahga with his two sons at his side. Gorden was born on June 21, 1947, to Rev. Herbert and Jean Marjama in Los Angeles, California. He grew up attending public schools, Paddison Elementary and Norwalk Junior High both in Norwalk California. He went on to New York Mills where he graduated from high school with the Class of 1965. After his graduation, Gorden ventured to Florida where he purchased a sandblasting business, a skill he had been taught by his father. He lived and operated his business there for several years. Gorden then returned to Minnesota where he settled in the Twin Cities area and built stone and brick fireplaces. It was there that he met and fell in love with Lonna Rae Vick. They were united in marriage in Hemet California in 1985. Their union was blessed with two sons: Michael and Danny. The young family ventured to California where they settled in Hemet. There Gorden established a business sandblasting and refinishing swimming pools. They returned to Minneapolis where Gorden was diagnosed with kidney disease. At the age of 43, he underwent his first kidney transplant, receiving an organ from his sister, Dede. He recovered with his sister Kathe “Kaky” for months. Later in his life, he received another kidney transplant which kept him very active for the rest of his life. In the early 90’s, Gorden returned to Menahga where he took over his father’s sandblasting business, which he operated with his two sons to the present time. Gorden always had a love for fast cars. He enjoyed building and racing cars. In fact, he and his cousin held the national drag racing record at one time. He also loved horses and successfully raced thoroughbreds. He competed in the highest levels of the horse racing world including, the Kentucky Derby. He had many other interests as well. He loved to golf, compete in shooting sports and he especially enjoyed playing and watching football. Gorden, being the son of a preacher, learned from and held dear to the Godly principles he saw in his father’s life. He held a very strong personal faith in Jesus and what he did for all of us on the cross of Calvary. He also loved gospel, country, and classical music. What Gorden has seen through faith throughout his life he is now seeing with his own eyes. He will be lovingly remembered by his two sons: Michael Marjama of Park Rapids and Danny Marjama of Menahga; his sister, Kathe “Kaky” (Jim) Anderson of Washington state and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives. Gorden was preceded in death by his parents and his sister. Funeral services are set for 11 AM Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the Pinewood Assembly of God Church north of Menahga, MN with the Rev. Art Wood officiating. Interment will be made in the Marjama family plot of the Alajoki Cemetery northwest of Menahga. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Friday at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga and again at the church on Saturday beginning one hour prior to the service. To leave online condolences, share a memory or view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com