Alton Arthur Cordes
Tuesday, November 13, 1951
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Age:
72 years old
Celebration of Life
Date: Saturday January 06, 2024
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Bearwood Event Barn [ view map ]
Fellowship Luncheon
Date: Saturday January 06, 2024
Time: 11:45 am
Location: Bearwood Event Barn
Tuesday, November 13, 1951
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Age:
72 years old
Tuesday, November 13, 1951
Date of Death:
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Age:
72 years old
Alton Arthur Cordes
Alton Arthur Cordes, 72, of Byron, Minnesota died just before midnight on Saturday, December 9, 2023. After a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), he died at home with his family present.
While he struggled with COPD, Alton had an opportunity to reflect on and write the following words:
“I was born to Vernoid and Lorraine Cordes (Ihrke) in Rochester on Tuesday, November 13, 1951. I attended Byron School and continued my education at the University of Minnesota starting in 1969. My mother sent me to the university with a little cookbook she had hand-written and compiled for me. This cookbook instilled within me a love and enjoyment of cooking and baking.
“I married Debra Moen, the love of my life, in 1973 and we operated the ‘Third Generation Cordes Dairy Farm’ until 1997. I finished my work career as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service.
“I served 18 years as a director for Rochester Farmers Mutual Insurance (presently Southeast Mutual Insurance). I served 12 years as a supervisor for the Olmsted County Soil and Water Conservation District. I received my Master Gardener Certification in 2011. I thoroughly enjoyed designing and planting the landscape around our newly remodeled farmhouse. I also enjoyed watching my children and grandchildren and their involvement in their many activities. Throughout life, I enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, playing cards, and socializing with friends and family.”
Alton is survived by his wife of 50 years, Debra; daughter Tina Cordes (Sondra Howard) of Winona, MN; sons Lance (Jill) Cordes of Byron, Adam (Michelle) Cordes of Plymouth, MN, Luke (Alyssa) Cordes of Byron; grandchildren Alyssa Cordes, Josilyn Cordes, Brynna Cordes, Jackson Cordes, Kylie Cordes, and Keaton Cordes; and siblings Ronald Cordes of Bloomington, MN, Wayne (Judy) Cordes of Papillion, NE, Merlin (Carol) Cordes of Homer, AK, and Lynette (Mark) Johnson of Winona, MN.
He is predeceased by his parents Vernoid and Lorraine Cordes.
A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the Bearwood Event Barn, Byron, Minnesota, with a fellowship luncheon to follow. A private family burial will take place later.
Condolences
The family of Alton Arthur Cordes has received the following condolences.
Alton's family has our Sympathy from the Kingsbury family. Lots of memories from school days, 4-H and just general good neighbours.
We will keep you all in our thoughts & prayers.
Deb & family.
So very sorry to hear of Alton's passing. He was a good classmate and I always enjoyed seeing you both at the reunions.
May the Lord give you comfort at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss, Cordes family. I’ll be keeping you all in my thoughts. Alton was such a kind man.
Thinking of everyone in your family Thoughts and prayers are coming your way!
Sending sympathy in the loss of my co- worker at Byron Building Center. He was a good friend and had such a great personality!!! He will be missed by many. May God Bless all of his family!!!
Deb & Family- we are so very sorry to hear of Alton’s passing. We will keep you all in our thoughts & prayers. He was an inspiration to many.
I could not ask for a better brother-in-law! Alton was so good to me! RIP Alton!
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful husband, father, grandfather Alton. He always had a smile on his face and so congenial. He will be missed by all. You have my complete sympathy and prayers. He is now in God’s hands and no longer in distress. May he rest in peace and always be by your side in spirit. Amen