Rev. Ronald C. Gorske

Pastor Ronald C. Gorske passed away December 6, 2024 after a prolonged illness. Born in Denmark, Wisconsin on September 26, 1945 to Olga and Arnold Gorske, Ron was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Denmark.

He followed his God-given calling to become a minister, was a graduate of Northwestern Preparatory High School and College and followed on to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin. He became a vicar at a parish in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and it was during this time he met his beloved wife Judy (nee Kretzman), whom he married on July 10, 1971. He later took a call to become pastor at a parish in Johnson, Minnesota where he and Judy started their family. In 1974 he was called to Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton as teacher, guidance counselor and tennis coach, a position he held for 40 years until his retirement in 2014. After his retirement, he re-entered the ministry as a visitation pastor for Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he continued for several years until his eventual retirement. 

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his nephew Bill and various in-laws. He is survived by his wife Judy, his children: Ben (Yi Jin), Jon, Aimee (Mike), Abby (Joe) and Josh (Jaci), as well as his beloved grandchildren: Nathaniel, Micah, Elena, Alivia, Elijah, Indy, Evie, Leo, Ava and Ezra.  His brothers are Arnie, Danny, Donny (Mary), Randy (Deb), his sisters Connie (Lyle), Nancy (John) and Judy (Dan).  Other survivors include countless nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. 

The Christian Memorial Service for Ron will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, located at 930 E. Florida Avenue in Appleton, with Rev. David Wenzel officiating.  Friends are invited to gather at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Fox Valley Lutheran High School: Ron Gorske Memorial Fund, to be used toward student mental health services.

We are overjoyed that Ron has left behind this imperfect world of sickness, pain and death in order to live forever in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom he dedicated every aspect of his life.