Obit: Gorke, Gregory J. #2 (1951 - 2013)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brecht, Ellenbecker, Gorke, Steinmetz

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 12/04/2013

Gorke, Gregory J. (27 MAR 1951 - 23 NOV 2013)

Gregory J. Gorke, age 62, passed away Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, at his residence in Abbotsford.

Greg was born March 27, 1951, to Adolph and Margaret (Brecht) Gorke in Marshfield. He attended Saint John’s Catholic School in Marshfield and St. Louis Catholic School in Dorchester and was a 1969 graduate of Colby High School. He attended UW-Stevens Point and worked in Colorado for a while before moving back to Wisconsin to join his Dad in the family business (Gorke Bus Service) in Dorchester. In 1977 they purchased the Athens Bus Service and Greg moved there to run the business. When the Athens Bus Service was sold he moved to Abbotsford to run Gorke Auto Sales in Dorchester until December 2012, when he sold it and retired.

Greg’s younger years were spent playing keyboard in local rock and roll bands. He also loved his automobiles, one of which was a 1966 Corvette, his prized possession.

He was an avid Packer, Brewer and Badger fan. He was very proud of his collection of auto and Coke memorabilia. One of his joys in life was spending time with his nieces and nephews, he loved joking with them.

Greg is lovingly survived by his mother, Margaret Gorke of Dorchester; sister, Sheila (Brian) Steinmetz of Dorchester; brother, Mark (Melanie) Gorke of Abbotsford; nieces and nephews, Chad Steinmetz, Sara (Joey) Larson, David Gorke, Barbara (Carl) Snyder, and Suzanne (Fiance Adam Ellenbecker) Gorke; great niece and nephew, Sophia and Nolan. He is further survived by many friends and relatives.

Greg is preceded in death by his father, Adolph Gorke.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, from 12 noon until 3 p.m. at Allison’s Steakhouse in Abbotsford. The eulogy will be held at 3 p.m., followed by inurnment at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. A Celebration of Life, including food and refreshments, will start at 4 p.m. at Allison’s Steakhouse.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations which will be made to Prostate Cancer Awareness or Movember by the family.

The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home of Abbotsford is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be made to www.maurinaschilling.com.