TULSA, OK – Gordon Thomas Sjodin, age 84, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Tulsa, surrounded by the love of his family and his faithful dog, Bear.
Sjodin’s career took a transformative turn when he entered the world of Indian gaming, where his leadership helped launch Million Dollar Mega Bingo and was key in protecting the rights of Native American tribes to operate Class II gaming machines – laying the groundwork for today’s tribal casinos. Later, with the Chickasaw Nation, he played a key role in expanding their gaming footprint, including the development of WinStar World Casino, the world’s largest casino. Even in retirement, Sjodin remained a trusted advisor, known not just for his vision, but for his humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the communities he served.
“I feel honored to have known Gordon and to have called him a friend for the last 35 years,” said Steve Burke, Publisher of Indian Gaming Magazine & Digital. “He was instrumental in advising our team as a trusted member of our Editorial Advisory Board. More importantly, he was a kind and generous friend, who cared deeply for others. The work he did with the Chickasaw Nation, in particular, was transformative, and he will be remembered across Indian Country for his numerous and significant contributions to the industry.”
Born on February 10, 1941, in Minneapolis, MN, to Raymond and Irene (Helstrom) Sjodin, Gordon was raised with strong values of faith, family, and hard work. He graduated from Redfield High School in 1959 and went on to live a life marked by vision, dedication, and compassion.
In 1965, Sjodin enlisted in the Air National Guard, serving honorably as a Personnel Tech until 1971. That same year, he began building a legacy in business and broadcasting, becoming the owner of KFCB Radio Station in Redfield, SD, and launching a successful publishing venture based in Aberdeen, the Dakota Printing and Publishing Company. His entrepreneurial drive led him to publish four weekly newspapers and a regional shoppers’ guide that reached more than 40,000 homes.
Sjodin was previously married to Janice Ost and they raised two beautiful and loving children, Jill and John. In 1990, he married the love of his life, Marie Laura Beers. Together, they built a life full of laughter, adventure, and unwavering support. Sjodin was never happier than when he was surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing stories, dancing to live music, or simply enjoying the warmth of family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
To know Sjodin was to know a man of deep conviction, boundless energy, and a heart as big as the sky. He was strong in his faith and was committed to the Catholic Church. As a proud eight-year cancer survivor, he greeted every day like a blessing. He had a gift for turning colleagues into lifelong friends and was known for his big heart, sharp mind, and unwavering loyalty. He loved to travel, dance, attend the theater, and listen to live music, but nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In honoring Gordon’s life, he will be remembered as a man who was hardworking, entrepreneurial, loyal, and loving – someone who put others before himself and left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
A Chickasaw prayer says: “May the Creator guide your spirit on the path of the wind, where the ancestors dance and the stars sing your name.” Sjodin’s journey continues in the hearts of those he touched, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.