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BORN
1958
DIED
2021
David Gorell Obituary
He was born December 12, 1958, to Joseph and Marie (Perkovich) Gorell.
He attended Alma High School and graduated in 1977. He served in the US Army from 1977-1980. In 1983, Sam's life changed when he met the love of his life and best friend Collene (Zmolek) Gorell. They married on May 3rd, 1986. Together they have three beautiful daughters Katie, Amy, and Lindsey. Sam was a devoted and loving husband, dad, brother, uncle, and friend, and excited for his first grandson due June 2021.
Sam had the biggest heart. Every act he performed was with love, so thoughtful, kind and respectful. He never left the house, hung up the phone, or went to bed without saying I love you. Sam loved woodworking, and designed and perfected turkey calls, logging every one he gave away. He was the best handyman along with tinkering with cars and motorcycles. Sam enjoyed hunting, fishing, feeding the birds, gardening, and the outdoors. He was a proud member of the Eau Claire Rod and Gun and a devoted captain of his trap shooting team. Everyone was his friend. He loved to have fun and his family always came first. Sam just retired January 2021 after 20+ years from Anderson Windows in Menomonie.
We will always remember you Dad. You were the light of our lives and will be forever loved and missed.
Sam is survived by his wife Collene, daughters: Katie (John) James, Amy (Jeff) Gorin, Lindsey Gorell (Scott Path). Sisters: Karla (Orlyn) Hoksch, Wanda Gorell, Sally (Dave) Bjork, Lori Hagen (Bob Thorson). He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Joe Gorell, and Steven Gorell
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe St., Eau Claire, WI with Fr. James Kurzynski officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 8:30 a.m. until time of service. Please wear your mask and social distance.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Gorell
Kathryn M Rau-Dietrich
April 11, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to Collene, the girls and the entire Gorell Family. On Easter morning I heard the bells and thought it´s just Easter. Shortly thereafter I was told heaven had a new angel, our Sam. Many thoughts and many more fond memories of summer visits in Alma. I guess Our Lord wants Sam, Joe and Steven to continue their journey together. Our thought and prayers are with you all.
Barb Hulme
April 9, 2021
Collene and the Gorell family My sympathy goes out to you all! May the peace of Christ be with you and all souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Susan Lindrud Segall
April 8, 2021
I´m so sorry to hear of Sam´s death. I haven´t seen any of you since your daycare days, but I remember you all, including Grandma Marie (I enjoyed many a meal at the Burlington) and offer my deepest sympathy.
Tom and Teresa (Halupnick) Schaefer
April 8, 2021
We so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Valories Semingson
April 8, 2021
Colleen, I am so very sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you and your family. I remember what a great guy he was. I will pray for peace in your hearts.
Larry & Janet Balvin (Chelsea IA)
April 7, 2021
Collene & family - Sending our deepest sympathy to you. It sounds like he was a wonderful guy. So sorry for your loss.
Gary and Lisa Gruen
April 7, 2021
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers to all of you.
Linda Barneson
April 7, 2021
Colleen, My heart is aching for you! Hold on to all the memories. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you through this most difficult time
Carol hunter
April 7, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Prayers and sympathy to all of you. Dave was one of the most sweetest, kindest man, With a smile each and every day.he was also full of.... fun. Hugs to all.
Tim and Annette Bice
April 7, 2021
Hugs to you and the girls. So sorry to hear this news. We always enjoyed being with Sam. He will be missed
Denny Olson
April 7, 2021
I am so sorry to hear this Collene. My heart breaks for you & your family. I always enjoyed my conversations with Sam.
Mark Risler
April 7, 2021
So sorry for your loss worked with Dave all his years at Andersen was a great man he made my first turkey call a fine one at that each day he made it a point to come over and talk to me have missed him since he retired my prayers go out to you and your family at this time God Bless the heavens have a new angel among them now rest in peace my brother
Bruce C. Schultz
April 7, 2021
To the David "Sam" Gorell Family-
I'm so sorry for your loss; my deepest sympathy to all of you.
Sammy and I knew each other in school and we grew up together on the south end of Second Street in Alma.
We reconnected back in Alma at Brian's New Moon during the 2019 Deer Hunting Season. He was there with Karla and Orlyn and he came up behind Dan Freese and I and gave us the biggest bear hug! It was such a joy to see him again; it was like old times. We had so much fun together growing up; and his laugh was infectious. I was so shocked to hear of his passing and now saddened that we won't be able to reconnect anymore.
My heart goes out to the entire Gorell Family; he was a great guy and a true friend. May his soul rest in peace.
We're going to miss you Sammy.
Bruce C. Schultz
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