Gary “Ski” Gorski, age 80, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, in Wheeling, Illinois. Born on May 23, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, Gary lived a life marked by quiet strength, creativity, and deep devotion to his family.
A soft-spoken man with a warm sense of humor, Gary had an extraordinary ability to bring joy to those around him. Whether it was through a perfectly timed one-liner or a clever quip during a family gathering, he cherished the sound of laughter—especially when he was the one who sparked it. His calming presence and unwavering dedication made him a pillar of support for his loved ones throughout his life.
Gary was a gifted builder and craftsman. His hands were rarely idle—he built everything from custom bunk beds with trundles to wooden lamps and porch swings. His mechanical aptitude extended to maintaining the family’s vehicles and fixing anything that needed repair around the house. He found joy in creating and problem-solving, always putting his skills to work for the benefit of his family.
One of Gary’s greatest passions was building car models. He approached each project with precision and imagination, often adding unique details that reflected his personal flair. These miniature masterpieces were more than hobbies—they were expressions of his creativity and love for craftsmanship.
Music also played a special role in Gary’s life. As a drummer in a basement band with his friends, he found rhythm not only in music but in the everyday moments he shared with those closest to him. His artistic side extended to drawing as well; he enjoyed sketching Rat Fink characters and abstract designs that showcased his playful spirit.
Gary had an enduring love for capturing memories. He frequently recorded family events and gatherings, later transforming them into personalized DVDs complete with sound effects and visual enhancements. These cherished keepsakes became treasured gifts for his children—a testament to how deeply he valued their shared moments.
Above all else, Gary was devoted to his family. He was a loving father to John David Gorski, Allana Christine Little (Gorski), Heather Dawn Panek (Gorski), Mark William Gorski, Shauna Lynn Gorski, and Ryan Spencer Gorski. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Paula Jean Gorski in 2022 and by his son Jason Matthew Gorski in 2007.
Gary's legacy continues through his grandchildren: Mickayla Karaczun; Alyssa Janick Ruelas; Justin Gorski-Wittlock; Johnathan Gorski-Wittlock; Alizee Gorski; Kylee Rayne Hoffman; David Little; Kaitlyn Gorski; Jaycie Gorski; and Laney Gorski. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Jordan (son of Mickayla); Emerald, Dakota, and Jaxon (children of Justin); and Corbyn (son of Johnathan).
He is also remembered fondly by extended family members including Carol Schulze (sister-in-law); Juan Juarez (brother-in-law) and his wife Toni Juarez; nieces Carolyn (Areya) Walker (Juarez), Jean Juarez, Cindy Perkins (Juarez); and nephew Juan Antonio Juarez.
Gary’s life was defined by love—for building things with care, for making others laugh, for preserving memories through video and art—but most of all, for the people he held dear. Everything he did was done with quiet devotion and heartfelt purpose.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire those who carry forward the legacy of his kindness, humor, and unwavering love.
A soft-spoken man with a warm sense of humor, Gary had an extraordinary ability to bring joy to those around him. Whether it was through a perfectly timed one-liner or a clever quip during a family gathering, he cherished the sound of laughter—especially when he was the one who sparked it. His calming presence and unwavering dedication made him a pillar of support for his loved ones throughout his life.
Gary was a gifted builder and craftsman. His hands were rarely idle—he built everything from custom bunk beds with trundles to wooden lamps and porch swings. His mechanical aptitude extended to maintaining the family’s vehicles and fixing anything that needed repair around the house. He found joy in creating and problem-solving, always putting his skills to work for the benefit of his family.
One of Gary’s greatest passions was building car models. He approached each project with precision and imagination, often adding unique details that reflected his personal flair. These miniature masterpieces were more than hobbies—they were expressions of his creativity and love for craftsmanship.
Music also played a special role in Gary’s life. As a drummer in a basement band with his friends, he found rhythm not only in music but in the everyday moments he shared with those closest to him. His artistic side extended to drawing as well; he enjoyed sketching Rat Fink characters and abstract designs that showcased his playful spirit.
Gary had an enduring love for capturing memories. He frequently recorded family events and gatherings, later transforming them into personalized DVDs complete with sound effects and visual enhancements. These cherished keepsakes became treasured gifts for his children—a testament to how deeply he valued their shared moments.
Above all else, Gary was devoted to his family. He was a loving father to John David Gorski, Allana Christine Little (Gorski), Heather Dawn Panek (Gorski), Mark William Gorski, Shauna Lynn Gorski, and Ryan Spencer Gorski. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Paula Jean Gorski in 2022 and by his son Jason Matthew Gorski in 2007.
Gary's legacy continues through his grandchildren: Mickayla Karaczun; Alyssa Janick Ruelas; Justin Gorski-Wittlock; Johnathan Gorski-Wittlock; Alizee Gorski; Kylee Rayne Hoffman; David Little; Kaitlyn Gorski; Jaycie Gorski; and Laney Gorski. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Jordan (son of Mickayla); Emerald, Dakota, and Jaxon (children of Justin); and Corbyn (son of Johnathan).
He is also remembered fondly by extended family members including Carol Schulze (sister-in-law); Juan Juarez (brother-in-law) and his wife Toni Juarez; nieces Carolyn (Areya) Walker (Juarez), Jean Juarez, Cindy Perkins (Juarez); and nephew Juan Antonio Juarez.
Gary’s life was defined by love—for building things with care, for making others laugh, for preserving memories through video and art—but most of all, for the people he held dear. Everything he did was done with quiet devotion and heartfelt purpose.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire those who carry forward the legacy of his kindness, humor, and unwavering love.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Gorski, please visit our flower store.
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