Forrest E. Gorkowski

Forrest Gorkowski

Forrest E. Gorkowski, 88, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his home on January 24, 2024. Forrest was born on a freezing cold day in Rock Falls, Iowa. His dad hitched the mules to the bobsled and went across the fields piled high with snow to fetch the doctor for the farmhouse delivery. Work was a significant part of Forrest's life in rural Iowa, starting at age 9, driving the tractor to bale hay and cleaning the town tavern, to hauling coal at age 12, and driving the school bus at age 16. During college, he went from store to store getting work for $1 an hour but could still pay tuition at the University of Iowa.

After graduating from Rock Falls High School alongside his 7 classmates, he attended Mason City Iowa Junior College. Love came quickly while attending school. Forrest dated three different girls in one weekend, the last being Sharon Hill - and she was the one! Shortly after meeting Sharon, Forrest was assigned to a base in Regensberg, Germany, with the US Army. Sharon traveled via train and boat to meet him and they were married by the Bergermeister and also the base chaplain on May 25, 1957. For two years while Forrest served in the US Army, they lived in Germany and enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, making lifelong friends and seeing places a humble small town boy never dreamed he would be.

After completing his duties with the US Army, Forrest and Sharon returned to Iowa, and he enrolled at the University of Iowa, graduating with a BA in marketing. Forrest began work in the insurance industry. He continued learning and teaching throughout his career, earning professional designations and certifications.

The family moved from Iowa to Ohio in 1970, and Forrest established his own financial planning business, Gorkowski Decker & Associates, in Toledo. Forrest always gave professional advice with a personal touch, guiding many people, clients and friends - clients who became friends, and friends who became clients - in financial and life decisions. He was always willing to listen and guide and gave an ear and advice to many over the years.

Forrest is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Sharon; children, Cathy (John) Moynihan, Steven, and Jenny (the late John) Klear; grandchildren, Tyler (Kendall) Moynihan, Conor Moynihan (Alain Bonacossa), Owen (Emma) Moynihan, Bailey Moynihan, Oskar Klear, and Josef Klear; great-grandchildren, Malin Moynihan and Vera Moynihan; and sister, Joyce (John) Lowery. He was preceded in death by his father, John; mother, Irene; brother, Harlyn; and son-in-law, John Klear. The family is grateful for the loving care provided by his caregiver of many years, Kim Wodarski.

A funeral service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 2201 Secor Road, Toledo, on Saturday February 17, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation with the family at 12:30 p.m. in the church. Please join the family in the church hall following the funeral for sharing of memories and some favorite foods.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.