June Marie Gordon (Staerkel)

June Marie Gordon (Staerkel) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 9, 2023. June (also known to family as Tudy and Gypsy June) was born on June 17, 1929, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Harriet (Fero) and Felix Staerkel. Tudy was the oldest of ten and is preceded in death by her husband Donald E. Gordon with whom she had six children, and later in life, her second husband, William J. Selwitschka. She is also predeceased by sisters Ellen Staerkel, Dena Dobbratz, Linda Rose Staerkel, brothers Bruce Staerkel, David (Bootsie) Staerkel, and grandson Johnathan Gordon. June is survived by her six children, Bonnie Glester, Judy Bellamy (John, deceased), Terry Gordon (Rik Williams), Tommy Gordon, Alex Gordon, Philip Gordon, and stepson Billy Selwitschka. Grandchildren Mitchell Bellamy, Jaye Bellamy (Anna), Andy Bellamy, Sara Romero (Galel), Chris Gitzke (Lauren), Stephen Whiting (Stacy), Warren Gordon, Samantha Gordon, Taylor Gordon-Wood (Michael) including many beloved great and great-great grandchildren. In addition she is survived by her sisters Mary Staerkel, Nancy Veith (David, deceased) Jeane Vincent (Bill), brother Phillip Staerkel (Donna), and sister-in-law, Shirley Staerkel. June married Donald in 1951 and together they lived the nomadic life of a Navy couple moving every two to four years. On a tight budget, June became an accomplished seamstress sewing all her clothing, as well as her children’s. The sewing machine, fabric and numerous patterns were always laid out in the house. June was a trailblazer for women’s advancement and achievement. After raising her children, she went on to pursue a bachelor's degree from Rollins College, an MEd. in Counseling, along with an Ed.S from the University of Florida, then pursued her Doctorate in Education from FSU. She also studied abroad at the Yung Institute in Switzerland and studied Imagery in London. She became a licensed school psychologist, had a private counseling practice in Winter Park, and was an adjunct professor at both Seminole State College and Rollins College. Through Seminole SC, she helped start the 21st Century Women’s program. June served many years on the Seminole Co. Mental Health Board, was President for the Seminole chapter of American Association of University Women and was appointed to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council. As a freelance artist and a member of the Sanford Seminole Artists Association, June distinguished herself in different mediums receiving numerous awards and accolades in both Florida and Wisconsin. She enjoyed creative writing, belonged to the Writer’s Guild in Seminole County, writing poetry, stories and children’s books. The funeral service will be held at DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory in Sanford, FL with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate June’s life. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home, or a donation can be made in June’s name to The Salvation Army.

June Marie Gordon (Staerkel)

June 17, 1929 - November 9, 2023