Leo D. Gordon

Leo D. Gordon of Tomah passed away on February 28, 2026, in Wauwatosa at the age of 82.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and I. Hope (Tillapaugh) Gordon, and by his wife, Paulagene (Haugen) Gordon, and brother-in-law, Peter Chang. He is survived by his sister, Helen Chang; his children, Matthew Gordon (Monique), David Gordon (April), and Molly Calkins (Mark); and grandchildren, Hannah, Julia, Jonathan, Benjamin, Lucy, Daniel, Paula, and Jack.

Leo was born on November 5, 1943. He graduated from Tomah High School in 1962 and went on to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, with a minor in Political Science, in 1966. That same year, he entered the United States Army, later transferring to the Army Reserve and receiving an honorable discharge in 1972.

Following his military service, Leo returned to Tomah, where he spent nearly the rest of his life. As a real estate broker and investment advisor, he built a reputation for integrity, prudence, and careful judgment. Many in the community sought his counsel, trusting not only his financial judgment but also his steadiness and discretion. He understood that families depended on his guidance and took that responsibility seriously.

Though reserved by nature, Leo possessed a broad and perceptive sense of humor. It was not always immediately visible, but those who knew him well understood how much he enjoyed a well-timed remark and a shared laugh. Beneath his quiet demeanor was genuine warmth.

His sense of duty extended well beyond his business. Leo was especially attentive to local veterans. He watched out for them quietly and without fanfare - helping them get home safely, making sure they were cared for, and offering assistance when they needed it. He did not speak much about these acts, but they reflected the same instinct that guided his life: to look after those entrusted to him.

He remained a loyal supporter of Tomah High School athletics, rarely missing football or basketball games. He genuinely enjoyed the games and treasured being part of the community.

Leo met Paula while they were students at Concordia. They were married on December 31, 1967, beginning a partnership that defined the course of his life. He devoted himself fully to Paula and to their children. When Paula's illness progressed, Leo met it with quiet resolve. While continuing to work and provide for his family, he assumed the daily responsibilities of her care at home. As her independence diminished, his commitment did not.

For Leo, there was never a question of duty. Caring for Paula was both his responsibility and his privilege. He ensured that she remained in her home, surrounded by family and treated with dignity and respect. Through long and difficult years, he sustained their household with steadiness and love. He cared for her there until her death in 2012, honoring her with faithful service.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff of St. Camillus Memory Care in Wauwatosa for the care they provided to Leo in the final years of his life. In a fitting symmetry, the devotion, respect, and dignity he once gave so faithfully to Paula were returned to him. The caregivers at St. Camillus treated him as a person - honoring him with compassion, patience, and a profound sense of duty.

Even as dementia gradually limited his speech, they recognized the man he had always been. When something amused him, his laughter was unmistakable, and they shared in it. In those moments, the warmth and humor that had long been part of his character remained clearly present.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in the name of Leo and Paula Gordon to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Pastor Dawn Lindberg will officiate. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.