Gordon Odell Polsgrove

Gordon Odell Polsgrove passed away peacefully at the age of 86, on August 14, 2024, in Wakarusa, Indiana with his family by his side. He was born July 19, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, to Alvin and Ellen (Kirby) Polsgrove.

Gordon was a 1956 graduate of Lincoln High School in Ferndale, Michigan. He furthered his education by earning a bachelor's degree in 1960 from Taylor University. He also obtained his master's degree from IUSB during his career. On June 13, 1958, he married Judith Lee Weber and they shared 66 loving years together. Gordon proudly served in the United States Army in the Army Security Agency division from 1961 to 1963. Deeply committed to his relationship with the Lord and sharing the Good News, Gordon invested years of his life ministering to others through Youth For Christ and helping to plant Trinity Evangelical Free Church in South Bend. During his time at Trinity, he not only served as an elder but also coached the youth's Bible quiz team. Gordon found his calling in coaching, teaching, and his passion for working with young people. His knack for storytelling and inspiring young people to reach their potential made him a talented and ardent educator.

He began his teaching career with a year in the Indianapolis School System and another at Oregon-Davis. Gordon then joined the South Bend Community School System teaching and coaching in various schools. He was the head girls basketball coach at South Bend Riley, St. Joe and Mishawaka Marion High Schools. During retirement he spent several years in Tennessee and North Carolina volunteer coaching with his son. Gordon was a lifelong coach not only in sports (basketball, baseball, football and cross country) but also coaching others in life skills and their spiritual journeys.

He was intentional about sharing the Gospel, teaching the Word, and encouraging people towards the Lord everywhere he went. The love for sports and basketball was not just professional; Gordon passed his athletic enthusiasm onto his children and grandchildren. This fervor sparked a hallowed tradition among the family resulting in the coveted Polsgrove March Madness trophy. As a lifelong educator, Gordon influenced generations of students in the classroom. He especially loved fostering a love for history in his students and was a Civil War buff himself. Beyond coaching, beyond sports, beyond any career ambitions or accomplishments - Gordon's proudest legacy is his family. Their dedication to fostering community with one another, their hearts for the Lord, and their love for each other was his most beloved adventure and his highest calling.

Gordon was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Scott (Kimberly) Polsgrove, daughters Penny (John) Smarrella and Suzanne (John) Weber; fourteen beloved grandkids, Mark (Hannah) Polsgrove, Tyler (Olivia) Polsgrove, Jake (Madison) Smarrella, Kylie (Jacob) Waldroop, Kara (Will) Hunt, Kaylee Smarrella, Ryan Polsgrove, Jessica Smarrella, Drew Polsgrove, Trenton Weber, Brynn Smarrella, Julie Weber, Jay Weber, Collin Weber; seven great grandchildren; sisters Sandra (Ed) Bill, Sharon (Phil) Kusner; brother Leonard (Linda) Polsgrove; and many nieces and nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his son, Mark, who died at age 6 in 1973.

A time for last goodbyes will be held August 24, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Trinity Evangelical Free Church, 61770 Miami Road, South Bend, IN 46614. A celebration of Gordon's life will begin at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gordon's name to Taylor University with a memo for the Polsgrove Memorial Scholarship Fund, checks may be mailed to 1846 S. Main St., Upland, IN 46989, and/or the Bethel University Women's Basketball Team, 1001 Bethel Cir. Mishawaka, IN 46545. Palmer Funeral Home. Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka, IN 46545 is serving the family. We find great joy and comfort knowing that Gordon's legacy is lived on in love and family because of his heart for the Lord. We will cherish his memory and the lessons he imparted before he went to be with his beloved Savior.