Michael Peter Gaborsky

The world became a better place on January 11, 1949, when Michael Peter Gaborsky was born in Kittery, Maine.

When Michael passed away on November 17, 2005, the world changed again. As the son of a Lt. Col. in the Army, Mike lived many places before the family settled in Milwaukee in 1960. Michael attended St. Monica's Grade School and Nicolet High School. Prior to graduating from high school in 1967, Mike left an indelible mark. Many will remember him as #30, All State MVP running back for the Nicolet Knights football team, while others will remember his track accomplishments of breaking state records. Some of which still hold today. From high school, Michael attended college at UW-Madison for a year before transferring to UW-LaCrosse where he graduated with a degree in education. With his degree, he taught physical education in Minnesota for a year and then returned to Wisconsin to teach in the Greenfield School system until 1984. Michael was a teacher in every sense of the word. He was not confined to teaching young adults within the walls of a classroom. He taught every child, every young person that crossed his path.

Children would surround him and scream his name and he found time to address each and every one of them with a quick smile and a wink of the eye. Michael coached them and guided them. He helped them by connecting with them and making them feel special.

Michael taught them as he taught us all, to take responsibility, to never give up, to face our fears, and to keep striving to be the best we can be because he saw the best in all of us.

Back when Michael was in LaCrosse, two major events happened in his life. He married his high school sweetheart, Gayle, and he took up the sport of motocross. He loved both with all his heart.

Gayle was his centering force; his life force and motocross gave him his entrepreneurial spirit, which sparked the idea to start a business. In 1971, while Mike was still teaching, Torque Center was established.

Michael left an indelible mark on this sport also. He raced for 30 years, was one of the top riders in the Midwest. He was a Board Member of the Aztalan Cycle Club, and The Torque Center is nationally and internationally known selling everything and anything to the extreme sports enthusiast.

In 1998 Michael was dealt the blow of being told he had Parkinson's and over time his health began to fail. Even with his debilitating disease Michael still had a quick smile and that impish grin he would give you as if he had a secret.

He lived every second with courage, and a generous spirit,. He will be forever remembered, never forgotten, and always missed. We love you Michael.

Michael is survived by his beautiful and loving wife, Gayle, his shadow Reata, mom Betty (Edward) Hable, sisters, Mary Beth Gaborsky (Buzz) Noyes, Miriam (George) Meeks, Kelli Gaborsky, niece Anna Gaborsky, nephews, Jason (Erica) Meeks, Michael John (Andi) Meeks, Christopher (Sarah) Meeks and too many loving friends to mention. His father, Godfrey, preceded him in death.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held on Friday, December 2, 2005 at the Funeral Home from 4-8 PM. A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, December 3 from 10-11AM with Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM, all at ST. EUGENE'S PARISH, 7600 North Port Washington Road, Fox Point.

In memory of Michael, memorials may be made to Wisconsin Parkinson's Association Research Fund, 945 North 12th Street, Suite 4602, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201.

KRAUSE FUNERAL HOME

And Cremation Services

12401 W. National Ave. 262-786-8009

New Berlin, Wisconsin 53151