****For those unable to attend Gordon's Mass in person, you may view the Mass via live stream at the following link: www.youtube.com/c/StThomasAquinasChurchMadison
Gordon Samuelsen, age 104, of Madison died on July 19, 2024, of natural causes. He was born in Milwaukee in June, 1920, son to Herman and Erna Samuelsen. After graduating high school in West Allis, Gordon moved to Madison and received a Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin Madison. During World War II, Gordon served as a Lieutenant for three years in the U.S. Navy aboard ships transporting troops and cargo in both the Atlantic and Pacific; he was honorably discharged in January 1946. After graduating from Marquette Law School in 1948, Gordon’s celebrated legal career included six years as Clerk of the Supreme Court and 30 years as an Assistant Attorney General in the Wisconsin Department of Justice. For seven years, Gordon represented the Attorney General on the Judicial Council and was admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court. Gordon argued many appellate cases and became a highly regarded litigator in administrative law, civil rights and worker's compensation. The enduring measure of this great man, however, was his enduring character, quick humor and his love of family, the outdoors and travel. Hobbies included reading, classical music, fishing, bridge, bicycling and watching Badger and Packer football. Gordon is preceded in death by his two lovely wives, Helen Reynolds and Mary Samuelsen. Gordon leaves behind his 4 adoring children: Don (Suzanne) Samuelsen, Jim Samuelsen, Janet (Mark) Roberts, Grant (Marcie) Samuelsen and 3 step-children: Karen (Clint Welch) Jones, Jim (Maureen) Jones, and Thomas Jones, as well as 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. His parents and brother, Howard, preceded him in death. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 602 Everglade Dr. Madison on Tuesday July 30 at 11am with Msgr. James Gunn presiding. Visitation will be from 10am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Agrace HospiceCare, or to the charity of your choice.
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