David M. Gorski

MONONA - David Michael Gorski Sr, age 78, passed away on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. He was born on April 1, 1943, in Milwaukee, the son of Edward and Ruth (Deuster) Gorski. He married Arlene Vento on June 26, 1971.

David graduated from Marquette University High School in 1961 and went on to continue his quest for knowledge at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee where he achieved a master's degree and began his career as a schoolteacher. A position in which he took great pride for over 35 years as a full-time educator. He could not stay away however, he shared his knowledge and passion for educating long after his retirement as a substitute taking EVERY opportunity he could to be in a classroom. Though he specialized in science, if you ever asked him what he taught, his answer would ultimately be, “I teach children.” Many of his students and colleagues respected and remembered him fondly, and years later would mention his positive influence in their lives.

David was a man of many interests, music, photography, woodworking, building loudspeakers, and hi-fi equipment, just to name a few. David was an avid player of the game of golf. He also had a bit of a flair for the dramatic and could captivate just about any audience with stories, anecdotes, or even Broadway show tunes, He was the life of the party.  

Even with all these interests, there was nothing David loved more than FAMILY. In 1969 on an evening out with friends, David saw across the room the woman who would become the love of his life. As the story goes on their first date, he asked if he could take her picture… more than 250 pictures later, the FIRST date ended, and they dated for the next 52 years. David and Arlene married in 1971 and began their life together, strengthening their bond with two children. This unit above all else was what he lived for.

In 1989, he achieved his long-held dream of “Owning a piece of Pewaukee Lake,” a place that held so much history for him, building a home for his family and creating a lifetime of memories with friends and loved ones.

In 2014, putting family first, David and Arlene sold the family home to move to Monona, where they could be closer to their children and GRANDCHILDREN, where he assumed the mantle of “Boppa” - a title he took quite seriously. Nothing could have made him happier than his three grandsons could. He also returned to his quest for knowledge taking classes at the University of Wisconsin to occupy his time.

In the end, he died, just as he lived, surrounded by family. He would have it no other way.

David is survived by his wife of 50 years, Arlene; children, Juliette Gorski (Preston Austin), David Jr. (Elizabeth) Gorski; grandchildren Leo, Perry, and Davis; sister, Mary (Patrick) Casey; brother-in-law, Joe (Teri) Vento; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In a final act of kindness and education, David’s wishes were to donate his remains after death to support medical and scientific research. Donations made to the MACC fund (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-gorski) would be a beautiful tribute to honor his memory.

A memorial service and CELEBRATION of life will be planned for a later date TBD. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420