Guy Yale Gorsky

Guy Yale Gorsky, age 75, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026. He was born in Racine, Wisconsin, the son of the late Reuben and Doris 'Dory' (nee: Phillips) Gorsky. Guy graduated from Horlick High School, Class of 1969.

On September 9, 1984, he was united in marriage to Katherine K. Christoplis, who preceded him in death on June 27, 2010.

Guy began his work life as a carpenter and home builder, working in the trades. Following his marriage to Katherine, they moved to Austin, Texas. After a few years in the building industry there, he decided to pursue his love of food and cooking. He graduated from LeChef Culinary School in Austin in 1990. He worked in several fine hotels in Austin, including the Four Seasons.

In 1998, Guy and Katherine moved back to Wisconsin, settling in Madison. He again used his talents, wit, quick thinking, organizational skills, work ethic, and love of food to open local restaurants and to do catering. He made friends everywhere he went. After seventeen years in professional kitchens, he needed a weekday job. He decided to reapply his previous experience and skills in the trades. He became a leader at the Home Depot Pro Desk, fulfilling the needs of people in the building trades for another seventeen years. Guy was a hard worker so when the time for vacation came, he made the most of that moment. Katherine and guy would take several trips across country on the motorcycle always bringing back incredible pictures of their times on the road and places they had been, They loved to travel on the Bike.

Guy and Katherine would invite Grand nieces Jessica and Melissa to stay with them for 2 weeks each summer, they have fond memories of Uncle guy teaching them how to garden, make smores on the stove and helping close the restaurant, stacking chairs on the tables so the floors could be cleaned. Guy and Kathy took the girls on many adventures seeing the Circus, Blue man group and visiting Chicago to see Grand Siberian orchestra. The fun didn’t end there.. Sometimes they would end their days with Uncle Guy putting on a show at the drum set, then it was the girls turn to make music. When it came to holiday dinners Guy would always make something new and delicious for everyone to try, we all loved his food.

Guy could fix most things, and kept his home and vehicles immaculate. He enjoyed motorcycling, driving, and watching racing cars most of his life. He enjoyed target shooting with his friends. In the last five years, you would find Guy with Peggy by his side out in the Mustang convertible on all manner of adventures.

In retirement, Guy gardened, did carpentry, and built amazing birdhouses. His world expanded as Peggy brought Myles and Piper into his life. He and Myles enjoyed all things cars and flight and going with Ken to the EAA. A highlight was when guy arranged for Myles to meet a well-known Indy car driver at Elkhart Lake. For Piper, there was sushi available when she came to visit. He remembered a Christmas Eve assembling her dollhouse with Ken way past Guy's bedtime. He liked sharing cooking ideas with Joyce and Ken. He loved seeing Piper and Myles in their school performances, and was a true fan. He learned what it was like to love a small child as Guy and Peggy provided loving care for Idella Rose. She called him 'Goofy Guy' and he became her soulmate. He was always ready (and eager) to play fairies, make up stories, build blanket forts, and to learn all about Legos. Guy included all of the children and grands in their warm and loving home.

After the loss of their spouses, Guy and Peggy found each other and have been inseparable since 2013. They had many wonderful trips and adventures following Old Route 66 to the West and to the Southwest United States. Guy was always ready for a drive, finding great places to dine, and interesting sights to see. At home, their gardens were outstanding, and their home always guest ready.

Guy had a quick wit, a tough exterior, and a heart of gold, always remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. His sentimental heart will be missed by all who knew him, even though he thought we didn't know.

Guy is survived by his partner Peggy Orlofske, her children, and grandchildren Joyce Kelch (Ken), Allan Orlofske (Stephanie), and Myles and Piper Kelch and Idella Rose Orlofske. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, including Nicole Fredrick (Mark), Daughters Jessica and Melissa. A special thank you to Todd (Becky) Feehrer and their daughter Sydney. Brother-in-Law, James Christoplis, Daughter Tara(Strom), Son Kieth. He has many heartbroken friends, including Dave Andersen, Doug Hultine, and his friends at Max Creek.

Guy was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine, his parents, and his brother Budd.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 27, at 11:30 a.m. at the Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main Street, in Racine. Relatives and Friends are invited to gather prior to the services, beginning at 10 a.m. A private interment will be held at a later date.

The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/meredithfuneralhome/

In Guy's honor, please share a meal with a friend, ride down the road with the top down, and listen to some great music. And take care of each other.