Byron Thomas Gorres

Byron Thomas Gorres, born November 15, 1936, in Amery, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 21, 2026. Byron was raised on a dairy farm where he learned the value of hard work and self-reliance at an early age. As a boy, he taught himself to swim by reading a book and practicing in the creek near the farm - a story that reflects his lifelong grit and initiative. He worked on the family farm until leaving for college, demonstrating those farm-forged principles throughout his life.

In high school, Byron's determination showed itself in both academics and athletics. A three-sport athlete in baseball, football, and basketball, he was also named Prom King his junior year - the same year he met his lifetime sweetheart, Georgene ("Genie") Lue Wilson, in study hall. Their love story began there and continued for well over six decades after their marriage in 1958.

Byron sold his prized bull to help pay for his education. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and his intellectual curiosity and discipline led him to begin his career at 3M as a technician. Determined to deepen his scientific knowledge, he later earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Princeton University before returning to 3M, where he built a distinguished 34-year career as both a scientist and leader working over the years in departments including Central Research, Library Sciences, Traffic Control Devices and most interestingly in Magnetic Media, a position that brought him to meetings at Apple with Steve Jobs.

In the early 1970's Byron began trapshooting, which helped forge many meaningful friendships and eventually became a family endeavor with all four kids competing in the sport. He won numerous trophies, continued competing and even shooting "100 straights" well into his late seventies, and was proud to see his children have successes of their own in trapshooting tournaments nationwide.

Faith and Jesus were central to Byron and Genie's life together. So deeply that along with six other families, they worked to found Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Afton, Minnesota. God added to their numbers and Shepherd has become a regional ministry where four generations of Byron's descendants worship.

Byron was devoted to his family. He was his children's and grandchildren's most enthusiastic supporter, rarely missing a game, concert, academic milestone, or activity. He was always present and always proud. Byron and Genie raised their family in Afton, Minnesota, and later in retirement moved to a scenic setting in Amery, Wisconsin, overlooking the Apple River. Most recently, they resided at Boutwells Landing in Stillwater, Minnesota, where they have both been warmly cared for.

Byron is survived by his beloved wife, Georgene; his children: Sheryl (Mike) Zaworski, Geoff Gorres, Gwen (Charlie) Gierke, and Brett (Angie) Gorres; his grandchildren: Jacob Gorres; Maxwell Thomas Gierke (Jill), proudly carrying his grandfather's middle name; Evan (Amy) Gorres; Emelyn (Jonah) Zaworski; Isaac Gorres; Grace (Cole) LaLonde; Joseph Gorres; Hank (Amber) Gierke; and Natalie Gorres; and his great-grandchildren: Ruth Gierke and Jamie Gierke; and several nieces and nephews.

Through his examples of discipline, intellect, faith, loyalty, and quiet strength, Byron leaves a legacy that will endure through the generations who were blessed to call him husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, mentor, church founder, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elva and Arnold Gorres; his sister, Barbara; his brother, Earl; his parents-in-law, Lue and Woodrow Wilson; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law Elmer Anderson, Lynn Wilson, Nancy Krueger and Hope Gorres; nephews Lynn Gorres, James Anderson and Arnold Anderson; and many beloved and devoted friends.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 27, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 14107 Hudson Rd S., Afton, MN. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 26, at Simonet Funeral Home, 6429 Osgood Ave N., in Stillwater and at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Evergreen Community Cemetery in Afton. Memorials are preferred to Shepherd of the Valley Church in Afton.