05/23/2026
Honoring Veterans: Seaman Francis Marian Gordhamer
Francis (Frank) Marian Gordhamer was born in Kerkhoven, MN on December 16, 1897. Francis was 1 of 9 children born to Johanes and Sigrid (Gottenborg) Gordhamer. He and his brother, William, both enlisted in June 1918. Francis entered the Navy, while William entered the Army. Francis was first sent to the Naval Training Station at Great Lakes. From there he was transferred to Puget Sound Naval Station. He died October 6, 1918 of influenza-pneumonia. Francis was 20 years old.
On August 15, 1919, former Bowman County service members met in the I.O.O.F. Hall in Bowman to organize an American Legion post. These men felt that history of the war should be preserved and, having found strength for America abroad, it was felt they should band together to keep America strong at home. They named the post after a young Bowman County man who had died during World War I. The Frank Gordhamer American Legion Post 48 was established on September 3, 1919.
The Frank Gordhamer American Legion Post 48 remains a strong and active organization within the Bowman community. Post 48 has a color guard and firing squad that takes care of members and non-members alike at funerals when requested. It also hosts an annual Memorial Day Ceremony, promotes American Legion Boys State and much more.
Francis (Frank) Gordhamer is buried at the Hillside Cemetery in Kerkhoven, MN.
We honor his service.
