Gordon Roy Lloyd Stangohr

Gordon Roy Lloyd Stangohr passed away peacefully at his home in the Greenspring Retirement Center, Springfield, Virginia, on March 10, 2017 at the age of 96. Gordon was born June 29, 1920, on a farm in Winfred, South Dakota. After high school, he received a scholarship to attend Grand Island Business School in Nebraska. Upon completion, he accepted a Civil Service position with the Census Bureau. This opportunity was interrupted with the onset of World War II. He joined the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1945, and received many honorable medals. On July 10, 1949, he was united in marriage to Lois L. Tibben in Santa Monica, California. They were blessed with four children: Linda Marie, Janet Irene, Jerry Allen, and Carol Jean. Gordon continued his education by attending American University in Washington, D.C. and taking many other professional courses in Forensic Science. He obtained the prestigious position as the Director of the U.S. Postal Crime Laboratory in Washington, D.C. With his expertise alongside his co-workers, he helped pioneer Forensic Science by forming a link between science, technology and criminal justice. Gordon's specialty was Forensic Handwriting, whereby, he examined, analyzed and testified in Federal, State and Military courts throughout the Nation on behalf of the U.S. Government. He also represented the U.S. in their Interpol Convention in Paris. Notably, he assisted in the training of over thirty foreign representatives for international collaboration and forensic development. During his U.S. Postal career, Gordon simultaneously served in the U.S. Army Reserves obtaining a rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. After his retirement as Director of the U.S. Postal Service, Gordon continued to use his expertness to instruct future inspectors for the FBI and the Virginia State Crime Lab. With his enthusiasm and background, he ably assisted in creating intense forensic study programs – not stopping until his second retirement at the age of 80. In 1956, as a Charter Member (one of seven families) of St. John's Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Virginia, Gordon served as building chairman for the congregation's first church of worship and continued serving on many other committees throughout the years. Gordon was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and so enjoyed being with family, travel, nature, landscaping, building construction (coordinating numerous, detailed projects), music, card-playing, and living on the waterfront in historical Westmoreland Co., Virginia. Gordon is survived by his beloved wife (of more than 67 yrs), Lois; children, Janet Poston, Jerry Stangohr, and Carol Flaherty (Michael); son-in-law, Frederick Verdi; seven grandchildren, Joseph Poston (Amber & Bryce), Jena Sanders (Wright), Jill Poston, John Poston, Ryan Flaherty, Collin Flaherty, and Tierney Stangohr; three great grandsons, William, Jackson, and Everett Sanders. Preceding Gordon in death; daughter, Linda Verdi; son-in-law, Stanley Poston; parents, Lewis William and Marie Augusta Stangohr; siblings, Baby Ardis Stangohr, Irene Myers (Raymond), and Arnold Stangohr (LaVerta). The family is forever grateful and gives our blessings and unlimited thanks to all of our friends, Pastors of St. John's Church, and many faithful caregivers. God Bless. Gathering to be held at Greenspring Retirement Community, Springfield VA on Sunday March 19, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 pm in Village Square. The Memorial Service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Alexandria on March 20th at 10:30 am followed by interment in Quantico National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to: the Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area Chapter, 8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400, McLean, Virginia 22102 or St. John's Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22310 – in memory – Gordon R. Stangohr.

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Gordon Roy Lloyd Stangohr

June 29, 1920 - March 10, 2017