Martin F. Gordon

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Martin Gordon, who peacefully left us at the age of 92 on November 11, 2024. Martin will always be remembered as a caring father, a devoted husband, and a beloved member of the Mason City education community for 38 years, hiring nearly every Mason City School District employee in that timeframe. 

Born on December 8, 1931, on the south side of Chicago, Mason City was an unlikely destination for this “big city” native. He was the fourth of five children of Irish immigrants, and his mother was widowed at the age of 26. Martin, as a youngster, was eventually drawn to teaching, thanks to the De La Salle Christian Brothers who served as teachers and administrators in Chicago’s Roman Catholic Schools. Martin’s family also affectionately called him “Babe” because of his resemblance to the famous baseball player, Babe Ruth - - known for his husky stature. 

As a young adult, Martin entered the seminary and eventually took his vows. For almost two decades, he served as a teacher and administrator for the Christian Brothers in Chicago and the Michigan area. Martin said the work was always long and difficult, but he loved it. In the 1960’s, however, he watched the church expand its schools so quickly that the responsibilities became overwhelming. He took some time away from the Christian Brothers and accepted a job as an assistant principal in a public junior high school in Gillette, Wyoming. 

Martin was really enjoying the work in Gillette but was looking for a Midwest community in which to put down roots and raise his family (he married Martha Carol Banzen on November 5, 1969, his wife of 54 years. Carol passed on November 2, 2023). By chance, he saw a job listing in Mason City, Iowa. He landed the assistant principal’s job at John Adams Middle School under Superintendent Rod Bickert and then transitioned to run the Personnel Department for the school district a few years later. When collective bargaining became law in the 1970’s the district trained Gordon as its chief negotiator. Many would say that Gordon had a “tough, tough job, not one that could make you popular” but Martin found balance (most days!) and is widely respected for his fairness on both sides. 

Martin truly lived in his dream: he excelled in a career he loved, provided for his family and was a part of ONE amazing community for his entire adult life building hundreds of relationships along the way. Martin will be remembered as a super swim Dad (found in any chlorinated environment for the better part of 15 years), for his daily workouts at the YMCA (the original location downtown, where he could reserve a court for his competitive outlet - handball), his love of the scratcher lottery ticket (he had his favorite spots for purchase), and at Saturday afternoon services at Holy Family Catholic Church (in a pew towards the back). 

Martin always believed in the power of positivity, the good in all of us and made friends in every situation he found himself in (….he might have even been able to talk himself out of a speeding ticket with one Iowa State Trooper in the mid 80’s).

 A Celebration of Martin's life will be held at Major Erickson Funeral Home on March 22, 2025 at 2pm. 

Rest in peace, Martin. You will never be forgotten.