Gordon Kahnke

Gordon Kahnke, 77, of Redwood Falls died Friday, March 4, 2016, at Wood Dale Home in Redwood Falls.

 Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls with inurnment to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, April 1, from 4 until 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., all at Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Home in Redwood Falls. Visitation will continue on Saturday at the church from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m.

Gordon Albert Kahnke, the son of Joseph Albert and Hildagard (Jaksch) Kahnke, was born November 24, 1938, in Delhi Township, Redwood County, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm in Delhi Township and received his formal education in District 53 rural school and Redwood Falls Public School. Gordon, and his older brother, Joe, operated the family farms from 1956 until 1980. From 1969 until 1980, Joe and Gordon operated Kahnke Brothers where they farmed and also rebuilt trucks for sugar beet hauling, including lengthening frames, tag axels, hoists, and building boxes. During this time, Gordon also hauled for Green Giant and, in his spare time, built guns. In 1980, Gordon moved into Redwood Falls and continued to haul beets. He started Kahnke Gun Works in 1982, manufacturing Black Powder pistols and rifles that he sold nation-wide.

Gordon served in the Minnesota National Guard for four years. He belonged to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church and was a member of the National Rifle Association. In August 2012, he became a resident at Wood Dale Home.

Gordon is survived by his sister, Yvonne (Richard) Nachreiner of Springfield; brothers, Joseph (Bonnie) Kahnke of Cañon City, Colorado, Dennis (Kathy) Kahnke of Redwood Falls, and David Kahnke of St. Cloud; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

 Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Blessed be his memory.