Found peace on May 3, 2026.
Born in Wisconsin Rapids on April 1, 1939, son of Steve and Velma Schuetz. His parents and three brothers, Leonard, Richard and Howard; a sister, Elaine; sister-in-law Alice Schuetz; and a niece, Barbara Musch preceded him in death. William R. Morehouse, his partner of 51 years died in February of 2020.
Gordon graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. He received a B.S. in Business from Marquette University, an M.S. in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, and completed all his requirements (except completing his dissertation) for a Ph.D. in Behavioral Disabilities from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
He served in the Air Force Reserve with the 440th Troop Carrier Wing in Milwaukee and was named Airman of the Encampment when the Wing was activated during the Cuban Crisis.
After receiving his Master’s Degree in Education, he taught at Juneau High School in Milwaukee and Mead Elementary School in Wisconsin Rapids. He also taught at UW – Oshkosh, UW – Whitewater and UW – Milwaukee. He served as a special education supervisor in the Racine Public Schools before being named Program Administrator, programs for special needs students, in the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). He later was promoted to the position of Director of the Department of Exceptional Education and Supportive Services in MPS where he was responsible for Programs for students with learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, speech and language problems, deaf, vision, physically handicapped, and early childhood programs for students with special needs. He was also responsible for coordinating School Social Work Services, School Psychological Services, Nursing and Occupational and Physical Therapy Services.
While in Wisconsin Rapids he was named Outstanding Educator and named the Outstanding Citizen by the Wisconsin Rapids Jaycees.
Gordon’s interests included travel, theater, music, reading, gardening, and cooking. He also loved socializing with his many friends. For many years he and his partner conducted theater trips to the Candlelight and Drury Lane Theaters in Illinois and the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. They also conducted an annual trip to the Arlington Race Track. On these trips they provided cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (including their signature cucumber sandwiches) and desserts.
Gordon retired after 31 years in the field of education. After retirement from MPS, he worked for three years as a consultant at the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) in Madison and then served as Superintendent of the State School for the Visually Handicapped in Janesville.
He was an active member of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and held both local and statewide leadership positions.
Gordon was a proud member of The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist parish and an active volunteer in the Open Door Café program.
He is survived by his nephew and niece, John and Diane Schuetz, nephew Laverne Schuetz and wife, Joan, and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Gordon’s Life will be held at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 812 N. Jackson St, on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation will be held prior beginning at 9 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Fine Arts Program, are appreciated.