It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joseph F. Gorecki, “Joe,” a cherished father, grandfather, uncle, beloved friend, and esteemed member of the Kenosha community, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Joe was born on June 7, 1928, to the late Stanley and Anna (Lesniak) Gorecki. He attended Kenosha schools and graduated from Kenosha High School. Joseph served his country in the United States Army from October 1950 until he was honorably discharged in April 1957 during which time he received the following medals: Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Combat Star – United Nations Service Medal.
As a young man, Joe worked at his father’s grocery store, Stanley J. Gorecki IGA. Joe attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and went on to own and operate Gorecki Sentry Foods in Kenosha along with his brother, Stanley.
On November 27, 1965, he was united in marriage to Dolores Safranski at St. Casimir Catholic Church. They were blessed with two children and 27 years of marriage before she preceded him in death in 1993.
Joe was active in the Kenosha community and served on the Board of the Kenosha Senior Center, was an active volunteer for KAFASI (Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services), was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Korean Veterans S.E. WI Chapter 227, Knights of Columbus, and Rotary Club of Kenosha.
Joe was a lover of life and people. He made friends wherever he went. His love of his community and its people was immense, and it brought him great joy to meet regularly with friends either at the Kenosha Senior Center for lunch and events, the monthly Class of 1946 Breakfast Club, or at the Kenosha YMCA where he would swim daily.
Joe’s love of music was unmatched. He always had a song in his heart which he would extend to others while providing generations of his family and friends with an education on the history of the Great American Songbook and jazz music. He could often be found attending live music events around Kenosha while socializing with the wonderful local musicians.
Joe will be profoundly missed. He touched the hearts of many with his kindness, warmth, and generous spirit. His family shared countless memories filled with laughter, singing, dancing, and the simple joy of being together—a testament to the family values he cherished so deeply.
Joe is survived by his two children, Michelle (Amet) Nazifi of Kenosha, Lisa (Scott) Kirkman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and his three grandchildren, Brandon, Julia, and Collin Kirkman of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition to his parents and wife, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Wieczorek; and his brother, Stanley Gorecki.
Service Date April 14, 2025
SERVICE LOCATION St. Mary Catholic Church
A visitation for Joe will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Piasecki Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7400 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI, concluding with full military honors.
Interment will follow in St. Casimir Cemetery.
