Community Spotlight

Gordon Umbreit, who goes by Gordie, was born in Allenton, MI in 1932. Gordie was the youngest of ten children. His family also took in three children when his aunt passed. Gordie had pneumonia as an infant and wasn’t expected to live, but is proud to say that he beat it and continues to live a wonderful life.

Gordie graduated from Harbor Beach High School in 1950. He went to school with his lifelong best friend, Herman, who is nearly ninety, and they still talk whenever possible. Gordie got his first job in 1943. He opened the school by starting a fire and bringing in water for $1 per week! He also had an after-school job of bringing water in for the elderly where he earned an extra $.50 per week!

Gordie served for two years in the Army with the rank of PFC. After the Army, Gordie worked at a factory in Detroit for about nine years. He retired from Steel Warehouse after 35 years of dedicated service.

Gordie is a true outdoorsman and loved pheasant and deer hunting. Herman and Gordie spent years fishing together on the shores of Lake Huron. Gordie met his wife, Dolores, in a movie theatre on a blind date. He says she was the greatest joy in his life. They were married 72 years before she passed in 2024. After ten years of marriage, they adopted a wonderful baby girl named Diane. Diane blessed them with three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Gordie and Dolores bought their beloved home in St. Clair Shores and planned to live there the rest of their lives. Due to changing health, they decided to move to Lakeview to be closer to Diane. Gordie loves to help people, so he is a resident volunteer and calls Bingo. He loves his apartment, especially his view. He enjoys playing cards, reading, Bingo, watching football and visits from his family.