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Joseph Gorecki Obituary
June 7, 1928 - March 30, 2025
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joseph F. Gorecki, "Joe," a cherished father, grandfather, uncle, beloved friend, and esteemed member of the Kenosha community, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Joe was born on June 7, 1928, to the late Stanley and Anna (Lesniak) Gorecki. He attended Kenosha schools and graduated from Kenosha High School. Joseph served his country in the United States Army from October 1950 until he was honorably discharged in April 1957 during which time he received the following medals: Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Combat Star – United Nations Service Medal.
As a young man, Joe worked at his father's grocery store, Stanley J. Gorecki IGA. Joe attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and went on to own and operate Gorecki Sentry Foods in Kenosha along with his brother, Stanley.
On November 27, 1965, he was united in marriage to Dolores Safranski at St. Casimir Catholic Church. They were blessed with two children and 27 years of marriage before she preceded him in death in 1993.
Joe was active in the Kenosha community and served on the Board of the Kenosha Senior Center, was an active volunteer for KAFASI (Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services), was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Korean Veterans S.E. WI Chapter 227, Knights of Columbus, and Rotary Club of Kenosha.
Joe was a lover of life and people. He made friends wherever he went. His love of his community and its people was immense, and it brought him great joy to meet regularly with friends either at the Kenosha Senior Center for lunch and events, the monthly Class of 1946 Breakfast Club, or at the Kenosha YMCA where he would swim daily.
Joe's love of music was unmatched. He always had a song in his heart which he would extend to others while providing generations of his family and friends with an education on the history of the Great American Songbook and jazz music. He could often be found attending live music events around Kenosha while socializing with the wonderful local musicians.
Joe will be profoundly missed. He touched the hearts of many with his kindness, warmth, and generous spirit. His family shared countless memories filled with laughter, singing, dancing, and the simple joy of being together-a testament to the family values he cherished so deeply.
Joe is survived by his two children, Michelle (Amet) Nazifi of Kenosha, Lisa (Scott) Kirkman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and his three grandchildren, Brandon, Julia, and Collin Kirkman of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition to his parents and wife, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Wieczorek; and his brother, Stanley Gorecki.
A visitation for Joe will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7400 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI, concluding with full military honors. Interment will follow in St. Casimir Cemetery.
Piasecki Funeral Home & Cremation Services
3720 39th Avenue 262-658-4101
www.KenoshaFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gorecki
3 Entries
Kathleen (Kluender) Hees
May 5, 2025
As a child, I lived on 38th St. and walked to Gorecki's store on 14th Ave frequently. They were always helpful and kind to me which has always been a fond memory for me.
John Gonzales
April 22, 2025
My condolences to such a beautiful family. Thank you for all the kindness and respect that was shared with you and your family.
Sean Adamczyk
April 19, 2025
I am an employee of Kafasi. I was blessed to of met joe many years ago through the senior center and my dining site. Knowing him truly has made me a better person. The knowledge, the advice, the support made him a very compassipnate wonderful man. I'm honored to call him a friend. I'm so very sorry for your loss and the lifelong impact it has. We will meet again someday my friend. sincerely. Sean Adamczyk.
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