PHYLLIS GORSKI

Phyllis Valerie (Mullen) Gorski of Neenah died on October 13, 2015 after a valiant, 10-month battle with cancer. She was 74. Phyllis was born on November 25, 1940 in Wausau, WI, to Edward and Stella (Ostrowski) Mullen. She proudly graduated with the first class of Wausau's "new" Newman High School in 1958. On August 13, 1960, she married her husband of 55 years, Marvin Gorski, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Wausau. The couple subsequently lived in Milwaukee, Tacoma, WA, La Crosse, and Oshkosh before settling in Neenah, where they resided for 48 years. Phyllis leaves behind her husband, Marv; her son Gregory (Joanne) of Hortonville, WI, and three beloved grandchildren: Adam, Anna, and Katie; and her son Patrick (Madeline Fisher) of Madison, WI. She is also survived by two sisters: Delores (Wallace) Gorski of Hatley, WI, and Henrietta Bulatek of Chicago, IL; brother-in-law, Jim Geier of Birnamwood, WI; and many nieces and nephews. With her now in heaven are her parents; her infant sister, Virginia; her sister, Marlene Geier; and her brother-in-law, Wally Bulatek. A devoted mother, Phyllis took care of her boys full-time until they went to school. She then went back to school herself, earning her license as an LPN from Fox Valley Tech. After working for several years as a nurse, Phyllis joined Kimberly Clark Corporation, where she advanced to the position of administrative assistant in the Technical Training Department. She retired from the company in 2001 after 18 years of service. As a member of the Winnebago Homemakers Association, Phyllis in her retirement became a master seamstress. Among her proudest creations were three quilts that she lovingly embroidered for her grandchildren; all three pieces won blue ribbons in statewide competition. The last project she did for herself was a wall hanging, "Dashing Through the Snow," which won both a blue ribbon and medallion for first place in the state. Another of her great joys was planning and throwing a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for her and Marv, and family and friends in 2010. Phyllis also found an outlet for her tremendous work ethic and caring spirit in volunteer work. She made hundreds of hats for cancer patients for the organization "Stitches of Love," earning the honor "Volunteer of the Year" in 2008. She also worked tirelessly for the Theda Clark Auxiliary as a front desk volunteer, and served as a Eucharistic Minister, and on the funeral luncheon committee and Meal Ministry at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Neenah. Intensely proud of her Polish heritage, Phyllis was an excellent cook of Polish food, especially golabki (cabbage rolls) and sernik (Polish cheesecake), one of the dishes that Polish people prepare for the Christmas meal. (Her favorite dessert by far, though, was homemade lemon pie- many thanks, Adeline). Poland is among the places she and Marv visited in their many travels, which included 10 foreign countries and nearly every U.S. State including Alaska and Hawaii. Phyllis will be remembered always for her kind and compassionate nature, love of hard work, sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends, her community, and her church. Many who knew her also recall the absolute delight she took in dancing. She and Marv went dancing every chance they could; indeed they danced through life, and the following quote held deep meaning for them as Phyllis battled cancer: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." A memorial service for Phyllis will be held at 10:30 A.M. on October 17, 2015 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 439 Washington Ave., Neenah, Rev. Michael Ingold officiating. A visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service. Phyllis' ashes will be interred at St. Ladislaus Parish in Bevent, WI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Phyllis' name. Phyllis' family also wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Dr. Anthony Phillips and his team, Dr. Brennan, and Dr. Steve Knaus and his staff for the kind, respectful and expert care they gave Phyllis in her final months. She will be deeply missed by all.