Alfred S. Gorleski

Alfred S. Gorleski of Caro, age 94, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2016 following a lingering illness. Al was born December 14, 1921 in Saginaw, the son of the late Joseph & Eva (Lacki) Gorleski. He was a 1940 graduate of Weidman High School, now Chippewa Hills, and was a starting member of the school's state championship basketball team in his senior year. Following his graduation, Al enlisted with the U.S. Army where he served for four years, including time spent in the Panama Canal as a mine planter. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he was united in marriage with the former Leona "Bette" Deering on February 28, 1944. Al began work in the farm implement business before opening a John Deere dealership in Pigeon in partnership with the Gettel family. He sold the dealership in 1959 and came to Caro to run the John Deere dealership owned by George Beith before taking a position at Bader Brothers in Reese. His skills learned in the implement business made him a natural choice as a service manager for Wilsie-Simpson Chevrolet in Caro, a position he held until the mid-1970s. Following his retirement, Al took positions as a bailiff for the Honorable Patrick Joslyn in the Tuscola County Circuit Court and as a security guard at State Savings Bank in Caro, retiring again in 1993. He was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church in Caro, Caro VFW Post 4164 and Caro Knights of Columbus Council 3224. His spare time was often spent golfing, hunting, fishing, watching sports and woodcarving. Al was also an avid collector of golf balls and stamps. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Leona "Bette" Gorleski of Caro; five children and their spouses, JoAnn & Donald McCrumb of Vassar, Connie & Stan Lacy of Columbia, South Carolina, Corene & Jerry Goodman of Davenport, Florida, James & Becky Gorleski of Vassar, John & Mary Gorleski of Highland Park, Illonois; six grandchildren, Wendy, Mary, Malissa, Mason, Teri and Eric; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Nartker of Shepherd; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by one sister, Marge Silvernail and one granddaughter, Randi. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart site, with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating. Burial with military graveside honors will follow the service at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Caro. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. A Rosary Service led by the Knights of Columbus Caro Council 3224 will be held Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider contributions to the Tuscola County Medical Care Community. Visitation Information Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2016 Time: 5:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, November 3, 2016 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church site Address: 140 Atwood St. Caro, MI 48723 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart site, with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Thursday, November 3, 2016 Sacred Heart Cemetery Address: 350 Ellington St Caro, MI 48723 Burial with military graveside honors will follow the service at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Caro.