Gordon Jack Schlabs, 83
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 10 months, 1 week AGO
Our dearest father, friend, teacher, and coach left this world to be with his Heavenly Father on June 9, 2025, due to natural causes.
Gordon was born on July 25, 1941, to his parents John and Gladys Schlabs in Culbertson, Montana. The family moved to the Bigfork area for a short while and later settled in Kalispell. Gordon attended Flathead High School, where he met the love of his life, Barbara Ann (Young). He excelled at football and wrestling while at Flathead High and was part of the 1958 Flathead Braves state football championship. Gordon graduated from Flathead High School in 1959. He received a scholarship to Montana State University, where he played for the Bobcats from 1959 to 1963.
He married Barbara on Aug. 26, 1960, and the couple remained married until Barbara's passing in February 2021. While attending MSU, the couple gave birth to their first son, Jeffrey. After graduation, he began his teaching career in 1963 at Laurel High School, where he was the head coach for both football and wrestling. From 1967-1974, Gordon coached football, wrestling, and was the athletic director at Park High School in Livingston. During this time, he took Park High to a second-place Class A placement in football and was nominated as Montana Coach of the Year. From 1974 to 1977, Gordon coached football and wrestling at Helena High School. Gordon transferred to Billings Senior High School and once again coached both football and wrestling from 1977-1993. Gordon was an assistant football coach when Billings Senior won the state football championship in 1980.
Gordon’s coaching history resulted in numerous state championship appearances and titles in both football and wrestling. He also earned a Masters Level Official for both football and wrestling officiating. Gordon retired from both teaching and coaching in 2001, and he and Barbara moved to the Flathead Valley. The couple enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren at Flathead Lake, golfing, traveling, and being with their long-time friends in the area. They often times spent their winters in Arizona
Gordon was a very devout Christian and donated his time and support to Lakeside Chapel, where he was instrumental in expanding the church.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jack Schlabs; and his sisters, Andrea Connor and Vicky Jones.
He is survived by his sister, Karen Saurey and her spouse, Gary; children, Jeffrey Schlabs, Julie (Gregoryk) and her spouse, Steven; son, Jay Schlabs and his wife, Tanya; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Gordon remained a loyal friend to all those who knew him. For it has been said that no man is a failure when he has friends. He will be remembered for his eternal optimism and positive outlook on life. Gordon's influence on students and athletes throughout Montana during his tenure has had a lasting impact on those who knew him.
A celebration of life is currently scheduled for Sept. 6, 2025, in Lakeside. The family would like to recognize the staff at Kalispell Assisted Living and Logan Hospital for their care, respect, and concern. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lakeside Chapel Community Church. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.
