Robert W. & Arlene M. Gorney

Robert W. & Arlene M. Gorney Hemlock, Michigan
Beloved husband and wife, Mother and Father, Grandma and Grandpa, Busia and DziaDzia, and friends, Robert and Arlene (Jezowski) Gorney passed away unexpectedly in a tragic motor vehicle accident on Friday, March 28, 2025. Bob and Arlene met at a Falcons Hall polka dance in 1960. They were married on July 29, 1961. Bob and Arlene loved to sing and polka and never stopped dancing over 63 years of marriage, and continued dancing together all the way home to Heaven.
Bob was born on October 8, 1938, to the late Walter and Rosemary (Herhalt) Gorney in Saginaw, Michigan. He graduated from Holy Rosary High School in 1956 and went on to the Detroit School of Technology. He then worked at Hemlock Semiconductor for 36 years in instrumentation. He was active in the Jaycees, coached little league baseball for his sons and ran the chain gang at the Hemlock football games for many years. His dedication to Hemlock football paid in free popcorn and entry. Bob enjoyed hunting with many members of his family in Lupton, Michigan. He was a loyal Michigan Wolverine and Detroit sports fan. He never missed a game. Bob could often be found outside tending to his yard and waiting with a beverage in hand to visit with neighbors passing by.
Arlene was born on August 31, 1941 to the late Roman "Raymond" and Evelyn (Lukowski) Jezowski in Bay City, Michigan. Arlene graduated from St. Stanislaus High School in 1959 in Bay City. She raised their five children and ran an in-home daycare for many years. Arlene then went on to work at several offices as a medical secretary and billing specialist. Arlene enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, and baking. She shared her many talents generously with family, friends, and those in need. Her organization, attention to detail, and thoughtfulness made every gathering a true family celebration.
Together they loved to travel and created many memories that would last a lifetime. Some of their favorite places to visit were New York City, Chicago, Maine, Florida, California, Hawaii, Alaska, Poland, Germany, and Italy. Bob and Arlene were devoted to their faith and church, St. John XXIII – formerly St. Mary Catholic Church in Hemlock, serving on numerous commissions and committees, including singing in the choir for over fifty years.
Surviving to cherish their memories is their son, Joe (Hope) Gorney, Freeland; daughter, Ann (Fred) Fitch, Frankenmuth; daughter, Janis Doud, Bay City; son, Paul (Liz) Gorney, Lupton; grandchildren, Madeline (Brayden) Lemaire, Aubrey (Paul) Garrison, David (Cecilia) Doud, Bethany (Zachery) Squanda, Bradley (Kara) Doud, Theodore Gorney, Joshua Fitch, Aaron Gorney, Abby (Kenyon) Story; great-grandchildren, Brady, Chase, Oliver, Carsyn, Nolan, Evelyn, Nicholas, Matthew, and joyfully anticipated, William. Bob's sister, Rosalie Peruchietti; brother, Walter "Butch" (Cindy) Gorney; sister, Mary Ann Cooper; sister, Cheryl (Bill) Newsham; brother, Patrick Gorney. Arlene's brother, Terry (Michael Shane) Jezowski; sister-in-law, Jeannine Jezowski; stepbrother, Paul (Jan) Holka; stepsister, Joanne Norton; stepsister, Mary (Bill) Jacobs; stepsister-in-law, Lynn Holka. Together they had many special nieces, nephews, and friends. They are lovingly reunited with a son, David Gorney and son-in-law, Rick Doud. Bob is welcomed by his brother, Ronald Gorney; brother-in-law, Eugene "Perk" Peruchietti; brother-in-law, Bill Cooper; and niece, Jean Ellen Olszewski. Arlene is welcomed by sister, Carol (Roger) Murray; brother, Daniel Jezowksi; and stepbrother, Dennis Holka.
A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at St. John XXIII Parish – St. Mary Catholic Church, 151 St. Mary's Drive, Hemlock, Michigan 48626. Rev. Fr. Michael F. Steltenkamp, S.J. will officiate. In accordance with the wishes of Bob and Arlene cremation will follow. Friends may visit with the family at The Snow Funeral Home, 3775 N. Center Rd., Saginaw, Michigan 48603 on Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 5:00 p.m. Friends may also visit with the family at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those wishing to make a donation in honor of Bob and Arlene's life may consider donations to the University of Michigan Medicine Rogel Cancer Center or the University of Michigan Medicine W.K. Kellogg Eye Center.