It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Gordon (Gordy) Charles Barlass on February 2, 2025, at the age of 69. He was unable to recover in the days following a complicated heart surgery. Gordy was born on April 2, 1955, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, WI. Beloved by family and friends, Gordy led a life filled with hard work, kindness, and an unwavering love of his family. He is greatly missed by the many lives he touched throughout his life.
Gordy is the oldest son of five children born to George and Shirley (Elphick) Barlass. He attended Milton Schools and graduated in 1973. He attended Madison University Short Course before he returned to his 3rd generation dairy farm of Gil-Bar Jerseys, where he passionately farmed it with his family. Even after selling his milking herd, he helped his sons with chores until his passing.
Gordy married his best friend, his soul mate, and the love of his life, Michelle Good of Janesville on October 18, 1980, at the Faith United Methodist Church in Milton, Wisconsin. Michelle had known Gordy for 50 years and knew at age 16 that she was going to marry him because he was her soul mate as well. Michelle and Gordy proudly raised four handsome, successful sons, Kyle, Ryan, Aaron, and Ethan.
Besides farming the 160 acres they owned, he also farmed 250 rented acres while raising 4 boys and coached youth football, basketball, baseball and wrestling. He achieved many awards and titles from his lifelong work as a dairy farmer of the Jersey breed. He was elected Director at Large by the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders in 1977, served as chairman and sale manager of the Wisconsin State Sale, served on the Parish 2 Show Committee for 13 years, and on the Rock County D.H.I. board. He loved the 4H program and was assistant coach with the Rock County 4H Dairy Judging Team and was County Superintendent of the Dairy Department at the Rock County 4H Fair. He was a committee member for the Wisconsin Spring Spectacular Show, the Wisconsin State Jersey Show and the World Dairy Expo. At the national level, Gordy served on the All-American Show Committee three times. He was a top breeder of registered Jersey cattle for 36 years and especially proud of a cow named Gil-Bar Unique Bonnie “EX94” who was the first Jersey to be selected Supreme Champion at the 1986 World Dairy Expo. He was proud that Gil-Bar had bred her dam and sire, which was great exposure to their breeding program whose basis is on type, production and longevity. Gordy was called on to judge county and state fairs in Wisconsin and several surrounding states as he was known to be a fair, and highly qualified dairy judge and a great, constructive influence on youth in the dairy projects. His opinion was often requested and valued by many individuals for cattle selection and sale committees.
It was Gordy’s hope that the legacy at Gil-Bar would be carried into the fourth generation of Barlass’. He wished for it to be as gratifying and rewarding for his sons as it had been for him. They have far exceeded his expectations in their endeavors and he remained very proud of all of them. He upheld a vision for the future that it is the coming, younger generations that will keep the Jersey breed and dairy farming alive.
Gordy was a passionate Bears fan and would say that his life was complete after seeing them beat the Packers!! His sons say they loved showing cattle with him, he was a good teacher, coach, great dad and grandfather, however, a bit more “patient and lenient” with the grands, but, well, that’s because Gordy idolized his grandchildren. His winning smile lit up with stories of each of them as they are the apple of his eyes. His weekends were devoted to their activities, no matter what they were, he was going to be there, whether it was dairy, pigs, beef and sheep shows, games, sporting events, concerts, recitals and sometimes weekend stayovers with him and Michelle. He had an impressive list of when and where he needed to be, no matter the distance, no matter the hours spent on bleachers, he would not miss out on the opportunity to support and beam with pride over the achievements of these grandchildren who were cherished by him. He had glorious adventures to tell about Emily, Owen, Kate, Sophia, Blake, Lane, Logan, Lily, Brody, Hailey Hoffman and Abbey Hoffman, all are important, all are worshipped. Gordy was guilty of an infectious smile and sparkle in his eye, and when combined, you never knew what he was thinking. He offered sage advice, encouragement, enthusiasm, friendship and mentorship for many youths in the dairy community. He was one of a kind, a great father, grandfather, a remarkable, loyal, dependable man, who left a positive impact on so many people.
Gordy is survived by his wife, Michelle; his mother, Shirley; his sons: Kyle (Francine) of Janesville, Ryan (Kristy) of Janesville, Aaron (Nicole) of Sheboygan Falls, and Ethan (Leanne Hoffman) of Janesville; eleven grandchildren; one granddaughter on the way; his sister, Nancy (Tom) Arndt of Janesville; and brother, Scott (Janeen) of Evansville. He is preceded in death by his father, George; sister, Diane; and brother, Randy.
A memorial service to celebrate Gordy’s life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at The Janesville Elks Lodge, 2100 North Washington St, Janesville, WI, with a celebration of life immediately following until 4:00 p.m. where family and friends are invited to share their memories and pay their respects. Schneider Funeral Directors is assisting the family.