Gordon Jean, son of August and Josephine (Horner) Schmarzo, was born October 17, 1926, in Osage, Iowa. He grew up in Osage and graduated at Little Cedar. Gordon was then enlisted with the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed in Guam and served in requisitions. Upon being discharged in December of 1946, he returned to Iowa and began working for the Mitchell County Road Department. It was at this time that Gordon met Donna Simon at Pohle's Drug Store in Osage.

On June 1, 1952, Gordon was united in marriage with Donna Mae Simon at Trinity Lutheran Church in Osage. Three daughters were born to this union. The family made their home in Osage and Sioux City before settling in Manning in 1974. Most of his working life, Gordon worked for Pacific Adhesives and American Protein Corporation, managing their plant locations at Osage, Sioux City and Manning, retiring in 1992. He and Donna became residents of Accura of Manning in November of 2019. Donna passed away on March 2, 2020.

Gordon was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Gordon was very particular about his lawn and garden and had a wonderful sense of humor. He loved his family very much.

On Saturday, August 7, 2021, Gordon passed away at Accura Healthcare of Manning. He was 94 years, 9 months, and 21 days of age.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Donna Schmarzo; a brother Kenny Schmarzo; a sister-in-law Jean Kienast; and a grandson Matthew Hegg.

Gordon is survived by three daughters: Jan and husband Don Henkelman of Dow City; Cara and husband Tom Blenderman of Sioux City; and Jill Warner of Aurora, Colorado; six grandchildren: Krista Gevik, Melissa Riesberg, Jennifer Albert, Mindy Andersen, Jacob Warner, and Joseph Warner; twelve great-grandchildren; three great-great-granddaughters; a sister-in-law Sylvia Kelly of Story City; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.