Daniel L. Gordon

1949 - 2025

Dan Gordon, 76, of Omaha, passed away Friday, October 24, 2025, in Omaha.

A MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, October 30, 2025, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Omaha, with Rev. Robert Matya officiating. INTERMENT will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 7800 W. Center Rd. Memorials are suggested to Cedar Rapids, NE Alumni Scholarship Fund. VISITATION will be 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak & Cutler Chapel, with a 7 p.m. VIGIL SERVICE.

Daniel "Dan" Leroy Gordon was born in Cedar Rapids, NE, on September 9, 1949, to Raymond R. and Beatrice "Betty" Ryan Gordon. He attended St. Anthony's Catholic Grade School and he is a proud graduate of Cedar Rapids High School, class of 1967. He went on to graduate from Creighton University in 1971 with a degree in Business and was a commissioned officer (ROTC) in the U.S. Army. He then served active duty in Fort Knox Kentucky until 1972 and continued in the reserves through 1978.

On December 27, 1975, he married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Matya, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Their 49 years of marriage were filled with love, family, and the joy of three children and six grandchildren. Dan's love of numbers was fulfilled in his career in Accounting and Audit. His career began with ten years of government service with the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. In 1988 he then moved to the private sector working in the transportation industry, and finished his career, retiring as an accountant and auditor from Ag Processing (AGP) in 2014.

Dan was a devoted volunteer in his leadership of the Cedar Rapids High School Alumni Association, staying connected to the community that shaped his early years. As a parishioner of St. Leo's, he lived his faith through active involvement which included the Knights of Columbus. He also served as treasurer for the Candlewood Homeowners Association, and each tax season, he could always be found lending his time and expertise to help family and friends.

Dan was an adventurous soul who loved to travel, explore and photograph his experiences, and he always took the long way home. Dan was known as the Camera Man by family and friends for his video and commentary during family holidays and events. Dan was an avid sports nut, which began as a player on the hardwood of the Cedar Rapids basketball court, affectionately known by his teammates as "Shorty". As a fan, Creighton Basketball and Nebraska Football were a lifelong passion, and most of all he loved being a supporter of his children and grandchildren in any sport they played. As a die-hard golfer and golf fan, Dan's passion for the sport was ultimately fulfilled being alongside grandson, Will, for his high school and college golf schedule, no matter the distance. As an unofficial manager, he planned the trips, tracked every shot and score, and communicated the results and stories to his family and friends.

Dan is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen of Omaha; his three children, Christine Barth and husband, Adam, John Gordon and wife, Laura, all of Omaha, and Michael Gordon of Dallas, TX; six grandchildren, Will and Charlotte Barth, Cooper, Brock, Tucker and Crew Gordon; sister, Trish Johnson of Lincoln, NE; and brother, Doug Gordon of Grand Island, NE; sister-in-law, Donna Gordon of Centennial, CO; four brothers-in-law, Dan Matya of San Jose, CA, Jim (Joyce) Matya of Lincoln, Tom (Karen) Matya of DeKalb, IL, Rev. Robert Matya of Ashland, NE; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Ray Gordon; brothers, Michael "Mick" J. Gordon, and Ricky Ray Gordon; brother-in-law, Jerry Johnson; sister-in-law, Linda Gordon; and many cousins who were dear to him.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler
West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Rd.
402-391-3900 | www.heafeyheafey.com