Gordon “Gordie” Joseph Kadrmas, 82, Dickinson, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026 after an extended illness. Gordie’s Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dickinson with Rev. Lisa Lewton and Rev. Mary Wiggins as officiants. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Gordie was born September 3, 1943 in Dickinson. He was known for his steadfast commitment to the people and places he loved and for living a life rooted in service, faith and stewardship. At age 19, Gordie was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1966. His military service shaped him deeply, leaving him with both lasting burdens and a deep respect for military sacrifices.
Gordie later met the love of his life, Sharon Bailey. Six months later they were united in marriage on June 28, 1969 at St. John Evan. Lutheran Church, beginning a 56-year partnership marked by love, resilience and joy. He cherished his daughters, Jennifer, Hiedie and Elizabeth, instilling in them a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for God’s creation. A loyal brother, Gordie shared countless stories of growing up with eight siblings, especially his “womb-mate”, Jeannie. He welcomed his sons-in-law as the sons he never had and delighted in each of his grandchildren and great-grandchild.
A lifelong farmer and rancher, Gordie took immense pride in carrying on the Circle K Ranch, established by his great-grandfather and father. His cattle were widely sought after, drawing cattlemen from across the United States and Canada.
Gordie was a dedicated conservationist and public servant. He served as Dunn County Soil Conservation District supervisor for 25 years. In 1996, he was elected chair of the North Dakota State Soil Conservation Committee, a position he held for six years. He was instrumental in launching the Lake Ilo Watershed Project and also served on the Roosevelt Custer Regional Council and the executive board of the North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition.
His leadership earned numerous honors, including FHA Farm Family of the Year and the North Dakota Layperson Award. His dedication to stewardship of the land and the livestock under his care was evident in every acre and every herd he tended. He often spoke of being honored to serve as a caretaker of the land.
Faith played a central role in Gordie’s life. Most Sundays, he could be found in his usual pew at St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher and continued to deepen his faith. Gordie loved bringing people together, whether hosting Fourth of July picnics at the ranch, organizing poker parties during hunting season or welcoming visitors with coffee and conversation. He gave himself fully to whatever he loved, including cheering for the Green Bay Packers and NDSU Bison, planting many trees and pursuing his lifelong passion for history. His fascination with American Indian culture and the Lewis and Clark expedition led him to guide his family along the Lewis and Clark Trail to the Pacific Ocean.
Above all, Gordie will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the land he tended, the traditions he created and the many lives he touched.
Gordie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sharon; his daughters, Jennifer (Jimmy) Skjod, Hiedie (Jared) Pozarnsky, and Elizabeth (Matthew) Skoy; grandchildren, Garrett (Madison), Raine, Ashley, Christian, Jacob, Nyla, Bell and Jeric; and great-granddaughter, Alison. He is also survived by his siblings, Eileen Schiff, Bea Grundhauser, Edwin Kadrmas, Jeannie (Chuck) Roshau, Virginia Larson and Doreen Binstock; sister-in-law, Judy Kadrmas; brother-in-law, Jack Anton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lillian (Karsky) Kadrmas, and infant siblings, Louis, Eugene, and Deborah; siblings, Alvin Kadrmas and Judith Anton; and in-laws, Ervin Schiff, Duane Grundhauser, Helen Kadrmas and Ron Larson.