Lawrence Joseph Gorniak
Lawrence Joseph Gorniak found peace in Christ Jesus on February 12th, 2024, at the age of 82 with his lovely bride of 58 years, Penny by his side praying with him until the end. Larry was a loving father to Michael (Mary Beth) Gorniak, Matthew (Nadine) Gorniak and Elizabeth (Evan) Touchett. Dedicated grandpa to Moriah (Ben) Sternecker, Andrew Gorniak, Allison (Zach) Lealiou, Jonathon (Cassidy) Gorniak, Julie Touchett, Bryan Touchett, Angela Gorniak, Abigail Gorniak, Kyle Gorniak, Megan Touchett, Britney (Tom) Laurent and Ryan Grunwald. Great grandpa to Charlie and Nora Sternecker, Judah Gorniak, and Parker and Lincoln Laurent and beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Sylvia Gorniak and his sisters Theresa (James) Czerwinski and Cecilia (Ronald) Simmerling.
Larry was born on December 13th, 1941 in Milwaukee, WI and was the only son and youngest of three. He graduated from Notre Dame High School and enlisted in the Air Force upon graduation at the age of 17 where he proudly served from 1959 – 1963. He gained knowledge with radio communications which helped him begin his civilian career with Allen Bradley and shortly thereafter met Penny Butler. They were married on October 9th, 1965 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church and their first home was in Hales Corners where they welcomed their three kids, Mike, Matt and Liz. Larry held many different jobs from Holz Chevrolet, Motorola, Economics Laboratory, Electric Motor Service, Kurz Electric, L&S Electric and other sales opportunities throughout years. His favorite job was working for the Village of Hales Corners Department of Public Works where he enjoyed physical labor and being outside. He instilled in his family a strong work ethic, just ask anyone of them about those wood splitting days.
Beyond work, he enjoyed many outdoor activities from golfing, fishing, bowling, cross country skiing, softball, and more recently pickleball and biking around on his electric bike. Deer hunting was a favorite pastime and many great family memories were made during the time spent in the woods. Larry was so committed to hunting that the family Thanksgiving would be held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, a tradition that carries on to this day. Camping was also a family favorite where many days were spent on the water, swimming and fishing and many nights were around a campfire roasting marshmallows and watching racoons for entertainment. As his family grew, camping became spending time at a cabin on a lake with the grandkids and jet skis.
Larry was always a faith-filled man leading rosary prayers at church and with his outside group. His faith life was very important to him throughout his life, and in retirement, leading him to start making lighted rosaries, which you could find him in his home workshop working on. He enjoyed his many conversations/meetings with his 4th day group and sharing his deep faith with anyone willing to listen.
The family would like to thank St Paul’s Hospice Service, especially Nurse Corrine for the great care and support. We would also like to thank Fr Betley, Fr Pribbenow, and the parish staff for all that they did. The family appreciates all of the love and support and prayers for Larry and the family.
Friends may come from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton, with a vigil prayer service to take place following the visitation on Wednesday evening. There will be a short time available again from 10:00 am until 10:45 am on Thursday with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at St. John Sacred Heart Catholic Church (N369 Military Rd.) in Sherwood, with Fr. Michael Betley officiating. Lunch to follow at the church. All are welcome to join the family. A committal service with military honors will happen at 10am on Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (N2666 Cnty. Rd. QQ) in King.
In lieu of flowers, please considering donating to the Foundation For Children In Need at http://www.fcn-usa.org/ or VIDA Medical Clinic and Support Services https://friendsofvida.org/