In Remembrance

Gordon “Gordy” Lahti, who brought a laugh to every room he entered with his gregarious wit and gracious spirit, died on August 29, 2024. Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Betty Nelson-Lahti who was at his side when he passed peacefully after a brief yet hard-fought battle with cancer.

Gordon is also survived by his son Jonathan Lahti; his daughter Alyssa Lahti; his stepchildren Jeremiah Glonek (his wife Aimee and their children Jorde and Jacie);
Joshua Glonek (his wife Dana and their daughters Gloria, Jacqueline and Faye); and
Sarah Glonek (her husband Christopher Scribner and their daughters Cora and Daphne).
His grandchildren adored their Gigi and will miss his incredible love for and
unconditional pride in each of them. He is also survived by his sister Gayann Sandoval
(her husband Ricky) and extended kin. His greatest joy was his family, and he
delighted in being with them to celebrate occasions big and small. We are grateful for
the many joys and opportunities he brought to our lives. We find comfort knowing he
was accepted into the Lord’s loving arms and granted eternal rest.

Gordon was born in Superior, Wisconsin on September 5, 1955 to John and Alice Lahti.
His boyhood he spent at the family home in Maple, where he formed a deep love for the
state of Wisconsin (a place he would one day return). It was during this time Gordon
first showed his knack for making and keeping fast friends – sparking many lifelong
friendships he cherished as much as anything. At 12 he moved to Queens, New York and
went on to attend Brooklyn Tech High School, where he formed more lasting friendships. His connection to the school was especially important to him and he often spoke of his pride for the alumni group. At nearby Queens College, CUNY and Thomas Edison State he studied business and insurance, earning his degree.

The depth of his love for family, childhood friends and Wisconsin was rivaled only in
his work. Gordon’s remarkable career in the insurance industry began in New York City,
and it soon led him to San Francisco and SwissRe, where he worked for 38 years. Again
his unique ability to connect and build trust with colleagues and clients alike made
him an institution in the industry (and so many more loyal friends). They remained his
passion even after his illness placed him on the sidelines.

Gordon and Betty were blessed with the life of the bon vivant – enjoying good food and
wine and taking great joy in seeing the world together (Paris was their favorite).
When they lived in northern California they walked miles and miles up and down the
hills of San Francisco patronizing favorite old haunts (Le Centrale comes to mind) and
new ones, too. They especially enjoyed getting to know the wineries and restaurants of
the Napa and Sonoma valleys. More recently they divided the seasons between Palm
Desert (where Gordon often opted for the first tee time) and the summer home they
built at the edge of the Pike Chain of Lakes in Iron River, Wisconsin. Taking in these
idyllic settings together – especially in the company of loved ones – was their dream
come true.

An ardent Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers devotee, Gordon often sported the
oval G and motion W logos on his crisp polos. He delighted in rooting on the green and
gold, the cardinal and white. Taking family on a trip to Lambeau Field or Camp Randall
was his definition of a red-letter day. Gordon was so kind. He was a friend to all. His family asks that in his honor you consider emulating his kind demeanor. Be present, listen with your whole heart and always ask how you can help. When in doubt, tell a good joke.

Private memorial services for Gordon will be held in Wisconsin and California.
Donate in his memory:
Gordon and his father attended many basketball games at Northwestern High School in
his youth – and he followed the school’s sports teams very closely thereafter. In lieu of flowers, give thought to helping further his legacy to the benefit of young athletes enrolled and playing sports for his hometown team.

Address checks to “Northwestern High School” with “For athletics in Gordon’s memory”
on the memo line.
School District of Maple
4751 S County Road F
PO Box 188
Maple WI 54854
https://nw-tigers.org/