Gordon Haynes Waldenmyer

Gordon Haynes Waldenmyer November 4, 1935 - February 13, 2025 Helen (nee Haynes) and Shreve Waldenmyer welcomed Gordon to their lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan in the midst of the Great Depression on an unseasonably warm and rainy Monday, November 4, 1935. Gordon enlisted in the United States Navy and returning to Ypsilanti following basic at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, married Janice (Jann) Richardson on June 16, 1957. A day he swore was the hottest day ever recorded in June. He and Jann were briefly stationed in Bremerton, Washington before his reassignment to the Naval Base in San Diego, California aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer patrolling the Pacific in the days immediately following the Korean War Armistice. When he and Jann returned to Ypsilanti following his discharge from the Navy and her graduation from Michigan State University they established Waldenmyer’s Sales & Service. Selling and servicing power lawn and garden equipment. Through the years many off-duty firefighters and friends were employed as the business grew. He and Jann also welcomed YCTC (Ypsilanti Career Technical Center) students into the business as paid interns. In the early sixty’s Gordon joined the Ypsilanti Lions Club and remained a member of Lions International for more than 50 years, transferring his membership to the Cedar/Maple City club following his move with Jann to their retirement home in Burdickville on the southern edge of Glen Lake in 1996. He served as president of both clubs, delegate to the 1974 International Convention in San Francisco, and was long-time Co-chair of the Ypsilanti Club’s Travel and Adventures Series. Gordon was an avid sportsman, enjoying long afternoons trolling for Lake Trout on Big Glen with his father-in-law Maynard Richardson, then going back out after supper with the kids for Perch. Annual November hunting trips to Sunset Cottage with his friends and family were a tradition and, if the weather allowed, a last bit of fishing on before the hunters pulled the dock and hoist and closed the cottage ahead of the winter freeze. More than once the trip across the lake to the boat launch on Little Glen was made in heavy snow squalls. He enjoyed tinkering and his favorite was working on one of his many Antique tractors/engines. Everything from washing machine engines to 1930’s farm tractors and “Mom’s” Model A Ford. Seeking a more stable retirement he joined the maintenance team for the former Ypsilanti Public Schools where his talents as a Navy-trained electrician as well as those in the plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, locksmithing, and mechanics were all utilized. In retirement, he and Jann traveled extensively visiting all 50 states. Guests were always welcome at ‘The Pine Palace’ and many fine days were enjoyed guiding tours of our beautiful region. Gordon was a member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel serving several terms as President. He was also a member of the Leelanau Prospectors, serving his term as Chief Goldbricker. Gordon leaves behind his wife Jann of nearly 68 years. His children Brandt Waldenmyer and Carrlin (Bryan) Niess. His Brother Jerry (Sally) Waldenmyer, sister Suzanne (William) Brown, and sister Cheryl (Leslie Schwegler) Waldenmyer. In addition to several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Bryan Borchardt The family is planning a celebration gathering for August 16, 2025 - Please see the Facebook event page for details. https://facebook.com/events/s/celebrating-gordon/1689014635073375/?