Gordon E. Rosenthal

Gordon Edward Rosenthal passed away May 3, 2023 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center.

Gordon was born May 18,1934 to Edward and Gladys Rosenthal in Chippewa Falls, Wis.

In second grade Gordon’s family moved from Chippewa Falls to a farm Southeast of Hendricks, Minn. Gordon graduated from Hendricks High School, continuing his education as a Jackrabbit at South Dakota State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.

In 1955 Gordon married his high school sweetheart, Carol Peterson. Following his college graduation, he was employed by Osco Drug in Rochester and St. Paul, Minn. Gordon moved on to a career in pharmaceutical sales with The Upjohn Company. Five years later, he accepted a position as a pharmacist at the Corner Drug Store in Clear Lake, eventually becoming partners, as well as, lifelong friends with Robert Tanner. Successive partners were Thomas Jackson, Donna Etchen and son, Lon.

Gordon and Carol embraced the community of Clear Lake, raising their family and making it their home. Gordon served on numerous boards including the Clear Lake United Methodist Church administrative board, Clear Lake Library, First Federal Savings and Loan, Handicap Village, Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital and Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.

In 1969 Gordon was selected by Rotary International to join a group study exchange team, spending two months in Australia. This was an experience he always cherished.

Gordon also served on numerous committees. As a member of the noon Lions Club he received the Melvin Jones Award in recognition of his humanitarian efforts.

In 1982 Gordon accompanied the Bishop and 21 United Methodist men to Ghana in west Africa to observe the church’s mission work. While there, he found himself in the middle of a government coup, sequestered in the American Embassy and unable to communicate with the outside world. Through diplomatic channels, eventually Gordon and the others returned home safely. This was another impactful experience.

Because of his community involvement, the Iowa Pharmacist Association selected him to receive the A.H. Robbins Bowl of Hygeia Award, conferred upon a pharmacist who exhibits dedication to their community.

After a long and enjoyable career, Gordon moved into retirement mode when he sold The Corner Drug Store to Thrifty White Pharmacy. In retirement he pursued travel, anything “Hawkeyes,” cribbage, bird watching, golfing, reading, lake activities and above all, precious time with his friends and family.

Gordon is survived by Carol, his wife of 67 years; four children, Lon Rosenthal, Lori Rosenthal, Leanne Knutson (Kurt) and Nancy Huck; five grandchildren, Rebecca Rosenthal, Katie Barry (Brogan), Jack Knutson, Lauren Huck and Emma Huck.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Edward Rosenthal; son-in-law, Christopher Huck; and granddaughter, Baby Rose Huck.

A Celebration of Life service was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with Rev. Sylvester Holima officiating. 

Visitation was held Monday evening, May 8, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake.

Should friends desire, memorials may be left in Gordon’s honor to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church or the Clear Lake Library. 

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.