Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Van Gorden, Heagle, Schaub
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 10/15/2014
Van Gorden, Heron ‘Pink” (Service Recognition - 2014)
Van Gorden Honored for Military Service
Heron ‘Pink’ Van Gorden and his wife Ruth pose at the Clark County Health Care Center with the special cake and certificate presented by Neillsville American Legion Post 73 honoring Van Gorden for his military service to his country during WWII. Van Gorden also celebrated his 88th Birthday Oct. 9, 2014. (Contributed Photo)
By Todd Schmidt
Leading up to Veterans Day Nov. 11, Heron ‘Pink’ Van Gorden, 88, is the most recent recipient of honors from the Neillsville American Legion Post 73 in recognition of his military service to his country.
Pink and his wife Ruth now reside at the Clark County Health Care Center in Owen. Carol Schaub, 3rd vice-commander of Post 73, recently presented Pink with a certificate of honor and a commemorative cake, which was shared with other residents and health care center staff. Pink also celebrated his birthday Thursday, Oct. 9.
After graduating from Neillsville high School in 1944, Pink went to army officer candidate school in Ft. Benning, GA. He was the youngest graduate of the program at that time.
Pink served as commander of the 15th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron in France and Germany. After his honorable discharge, Pink returned to Neillsville to join the Army National Guard, retiring in 1965 as a major.
Pink also worked with his father Archie, his brother Richard and Uncle Kenneth at the H. H. Van Gorden and Sons business in Neillsville. Archie served in New Guinea during WWII. Pink, Richard and their father all served in the military at the same time.
Ruth and Pink still own a home at 7 Huron Street in Neillsville. They lived at Sunset Gardens in Neillsville for two years before moving to the health care center two years ago.
Pink was very active in the community. He started the Mt. Moldy Ski Hill in Neillsville and was an original founder of the Bruce Mound Recreation Area. An avid outdoorsman, Pink was a mover and shaker as a member of the Winx Club.
He served as 69th Assembly District representative from 1981-1991. His biennial committee assignments included stints on the Health, Highways, Small Business and Education or Training for Employment, Veterans and Military Affairs, Transportation Projects, and Agriculture committees.
He also served on the Legislative Council Commission on Surface Water Resources, the Governor’s Special Task Force on Ft. McCoy, the Department of Natural Resources Disabled Advisory Council, the Legislative Council on Nursing Home Reimbursement and the Select Commission on Work Incentives.
In the private sector, Pink was secretary-treasurer, director and member of the Wisconsin Feed, seed and Supply Association, member of the National Rifle Association and the National Muzzle Loading Association and director of an industrial development group.
Pink also served as commander of the American Legion and commander of the VFW.
Pink was born in Alma Center. His parents were Archie and Hazel Van Gorden. They had two other children, Cyrena, who is deceased, and Richard, who lives in Neillsville.
Pink and Ruth (Heagle) were married in 1947. They have a daughter Marcia, who lives in Minneapolis. The Van Gordens are blessed with four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
