Gordon was born on March 2, 1958 in Elgin, North Dakota to the parents of Gordon and Claire Zimmel. He graduated from Browerville High School in 1976.  Gordon attended Alexandria Technical Institute from 1976-1978 for an Associate's Degree, attended De Moines Area Community College 1983-1984 as a Fluid Power and Robotics Technician, and attended Staples Technical College from 1990 -1992 for Mechanical Drafting. Gordon was employed at Wagner Spray Technical Corp as a Designer Engineer.

Survivors include Parents, Gordon and Claire Zimmel, Browerville, Sisters, Gerri Bruns (Wayne), Grand Rapids, MN, Terri Lorentz (Tom), Princeton, MN, Michele Schiffman (Jeff), Carlos, MN, 4 nieces, 2 nephews, 1 great niece and 1 great nephew.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Morgan Bruns, Tyler Bruns, Megan Teale, Amanda Lorentz, Elizabeth Schiffman, Jason Schiffman.