Obituaries

 

Valeria J. “Val” Kiefer Gorsuch

PORTAGE  /  CAMBRIA  --  Valeria J. “Val” Kiefer Gorsuch, age 75, of Portage, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at UW Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI on Friday, October 24, 2014.

Val and her twin sister, Virginia Piechowski were born on April 18, 1939 at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage, WI to Vern and Ruth (Lambrecht) Kiefer.  The family first lived near Spring Lake, west of Kingston, then moved to the farm North of Dalton where they spent the majority of their young life.  Val graduated from Cambria High School in 1957.  After high school she played in two bands “The BVD’s – Bill, Val, and Don” and “Val and Her Melodies.”  She was a very talented musician and enjoyed entertaining.

She became a widow in 1968 due to the death of her first husband, Donald Hasskamp.  Val married Emery “Red” Gorsuch on November 12, 1969 in St. Cloud, Minnesota.  They had lived in Cambria, Paddock Lake and Portage.  She worked for several businesses in the area after raising her children.  Val was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She felt blessed to have had the opportunity to work as a volunteer for Southern Care Hospice prior to her illness.

She was fond of baking, playing games with her grandchildren and loved her family very much.  She truly enjoyed being surrounded by her “swim chicks” and all the laughs they shared.

Val was a member of Cross of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Portage, WI.  She gained strength through her church family and appreciated all their love and support.

Val will be sadly missed and mourned by her family.  She is survived by her sons, Terry (Deb) Gorsuch, Pardeeville, David “DJ” (Carol) Gorsuch, Bristol, and Darrell (Susan) Gorsuch, Pardeeville;  grandchildren, Nathan (Jenny) Scheel, Carl and Philip Sulzer, Tyler, Kaitlyn, Haley, Miranda, Austin, Amanda, Brandon and Justin Gorsuch;  great-grandchildren, Cora Welsh, Landon and Dawson Scheel;  sister, Virginia (Bill) Piechowski, St. Michael, MN;  sisters-in-law, Margaret, Della and Betty Gorsuch;  nieces, nephews, other dear relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, twin grandsons, Corey and Cody, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at Cross of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 585 E. Slifer St., Portage, WI, with the Rev. Scott Schultz officiating.  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Kingston Township.  Visitation will be from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Toby Campbell, Dr. Kurt Jacobson, Dr. Kevin Cohoon, and the wonderful staff at UW Hospital & Clinics for their loving support during a difficult time.  Also, a special thanks to Pastor Scott Schultz for his considerate visits, prayers and comfort.  Lastly, much appreciation to Bev Muhlenbeck, Vivian Zurbuchen and the entire “swim chicks” for the compassionate care and friendship during mom’s courageous battle with cancer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cross of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Portage, WI.   

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Obituaries
For information please call 608 742-2126 (Portage, WI) or 608 635-2763 (Poynette, WI)