Gordon L. Dicke the eldest of three sons was born February 20, 1931, to Albert and Gladys Page Dicke at their farm home at Wauneta, Nebraska. He attended a one room country school and then Stratton High School where he graduated in 1947. In 1950, he enlisted with the United States Navy and served for 4 years. He was married to Josephine D'Angelo in 1952 and to this union were born three daughters, Cheryl, Marcia and Lisa. On June 19, 1975, Gordon was married to Betty Jean Adams Kitzman at Benkleman, Nebraska and the couple would have celebrated 29 happily married years this June 19th. Gordon was an optician for nearly 40 years and had practiced at Jensen Optometry in Grinnell for 15 years, with Langley Optical in Kansas City for 5 years, and then with Vista Optical in Washington, Iowa for 14 years. He loved his occupation and especially liked working with little children. He jokingly said his claim to fame was making a special pair of glasses for a Kansas City Royal pitcher so he could see first base. He retired December 1, 1994, as did Betty, and the couple, with a few exceptions, wintered for 4 to 5 months each winter in Donna, Texas. Gordon had many interests. He liked to hunt, fish, garden, play golf, play cards, read, and solve crossword puzzles. He was a member of the American Legion, Eagles (50 year member), Elks, KAABA Shrine in Davenport (where he was past president), and the Masons. Survivors include his loved and loving wife, Betty of Grinnell; three daughters and their spouses, Cheryl and Mike Sturm of Granger, Marcia and Tom Buck of Richmond, Texas, and Lisa and Floyd Dicke-Rosenkronz of Lubbick, Texas; four step-children, Jeannine Bos and her husband, Steve of Thornburg, Jimmie Kitzman of Des Moines, Danny Kitzman and his wife, Kristy of Sigourney, and Steve Simpson of Des Moines; one brother, Dean and his wife, Sharon of Hamilton. Ohio; one sister-in-law, Marien Dicke of Lincoln, Nebraska; two grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; one step-great grandchild; and five nephews and their families. Gordon died June 13, 2004, in Des Moines, at the age of 73. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ken. He considered himself a very lucky man to have lived this long without any major health problems. Memorials may be directed to the Gordon L. Dicke Memorial Fund