Mr. Gordon Leroy Betcher, 72, of Rochester passed away at 11:16 AM, Tuesday, September 20th, 2011 at Woodlawn Hospital. Gordon was born in Chicago, on August 3, 1939, to Orley and Rose Sam Betcher. He graduated in 1957 from St. Rita's High School in Chicago. On August 8, 1959, in Chicago, Gordon took the hand and married the of the love of his life and best friend, Nancy Randall. Their union of 52 years produced two sons, David and Dan. The family tree grew over the years with the additions of eight wonderful grandchildren. Gordon was a building inspector with the city of Hickory Hills, IL. Moving to the north shore of Lake Manitou, in 1992, Gordon was passionate about the quiet life of a small town in the country. He loved working at his ranch south of Rochester creating a country paradise, nature's sanctuary for his family to enjoy. Blazing trails, digging a pond to be treasured by everyone and adding livestock to his collection was his forte'. He was very proud of his fine herd of American Quarter horses, special blend hybrid goats and a few sheep to go with his miniature donkey and mule. His favorite was a little horse named "Tiny." An accomplished carpenter he enjoyed remodeling projects, some new construction and building custom stables and barns. Gordon and Nancy also own a beautiful farm that he took great pride in maintaining and improving over the years. This allowed them yet another opportunity to embrace nature while cherishing the country life. To relax he listened to country - western music. His favorite artists are Dino Martin and Elvis. Gordon is lovingly remembered by his wife, Nancy, at home; two sons: David Betcher and wife Lisa of Naperville, IL, and Dan Betcher of Rochester and wife Karla; one sister and brother-in-law : Hank Kirschsieper and wife Shirley of Ridgecrest, CA; eight grandchildren: Jennifer Betcher, Daniel Betcher, Katie Betcher, Nicole Betcher, D.J. Vizza, Nicholas Vizza, Kristina Vizza, and Tyler Vizza. He was preceded in death by his parents. A celebration of the life of Gordon Betcher will be at 1:00 PM EST on Sunday, September 25, 2011 with Rev. Bruce Russell officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 PM EST on Saturday and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home on Sunday. He will be laid to eternally rest in the family plot in the Fulton Cemetery.