Willis Gorsegner
Willis Gorsegner, 81, Bruce, passed away peacefully, at home, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Willis was born Oct. 28, 1943, to Richard and Dolly (Couillard) Gorsegner.
He graduated in 1961, from Gilman High School.
After graduation, he left for Rockford, Ill., but after a few months, he did not like the big city and returned to Ladysmith.
He went to work at Peavey Papermill, as a boiler engineer in the old coal-fired boilers, later becoming the storeroom clerk. He retired from the papermill after 40 years, to pursue things he enjoyed doing and did some traveling to Europe, South America, Alaska and the Yukon, with Eleanor.
Willis married Eleanor Johnson, July 20, 1963. Together, they had three children.
He was a jack-of-all-trades. He loved remodeling old homes and helping his children remodel their homes. Willis loved to buy and remodel old houses, keep them as rentals or flip them, before flipping houses was even a common term.
As a young man, Willis was a proud and active member of the Ladysmith Jaycees, holding many leadership positions, including club president.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years – Eleanor; two sons – Kenneth (Cynthia) and Kurtis (Lori); one daughter – Lisa (Brian Gudis); a brother – Barry; five grandchildren – Kenny (Katherine), Grant (Krystal), Megan (Kyle) Anger, Melissa (Brandon) Roach and Logan Gudis; five great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
Willis cared deeply for his two rescue cats, Momma Kitty and Splash, and the newest member of his household, Paisley, an adorable king cavalier spaniel. He loved feeding the birds, squirrels, turkeys and deer that frequented his yard.
He was preceded in death by his parents – Richard and Dolly Gorsegner; his brother – Robert; and sister – Betty Sue.
There will be a celebration of life, Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Loony Bin in Conrath, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rusk County Animal Shelter.
Nash-Jackan Funeral Home is assisting the family.
