Conat, Gordon H.

Gordon H. Conat, age 79, passed away on February 2, 2012, at the home he so proudly built for his family. He was born January 19, 1933, to Laurel Conat and Alma (Thorstenson) Conat. He graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1951. Gordon joined the Navy in July 1952 and served in the Seabees on the islands of Midway, Guam, Philippines and Subic Bay until July 1956. As a youth he enjoyed ski jumping and was President of the Wooden Wings Ski Club. He enjoyed trap shooting and was secretary of the New London Fish and Game Club. He was very talented in iron work, wood work and was very generous with his time and talent. Especially to the VFW Post 2732 where he served as Commander 3 times and was responsible for many improvements to the VFW Post. He was married to Corinne Thorpe, June 22 1957, at Emanuel Lutheran Church by Reverend Frederick Heideman. They celebrated their 54th anniversary this past June. Gordon suffered a major heart attack in 1979, at age 46. He thankfully got a second chance at life for 33 more years which he lived to the fullest. He enjoyed traveling, hunting trips and camping with friends. He was very proud of his twin boys and taught them to duck hunt, deer hunt, and fish. Quite often (before they could drive) he would have to get up after only a couple hours of sleep after tending bar at the VFW and take them to Lake Poygan to duck hunt. He presently belonged to VFW Post 2732 and American Legion Post 283, New London. He was also a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London. He is survived by his wife Corinne, sons, Dennis and Donald, New London; grandchildren: Kelly, Kim, Kris, Shannon, Emily and Ryan. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Lillian Conat, brothers-in-law, Earl Thorpe and Larry (Donna) Thorpe and several nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Laurel and Alma; brothers: James, Lloyd and Duane; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clemens and Ruth Thorpe and sister-in-law, Barbara Thorpe. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. Funeral services for Gordon will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012 from 4-8 p.m. at Cline & Hanson and also on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be Floral Hill Cemetery, New London. Military Graveside Rites will be held. Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, 209 W. Cook St., New London www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com