Eugene "Gene" A. Gorny

Eugene A. “Gene” Gorny, age 86, of Winona, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 21, 2024, in the comfort of his home, with his daughters by his side.

He was born on June 17, 1938, in Winona, to Alfred and Isabella (Wieczorek) Gorny, and graduated from Cotter High School in 1956. Gene met his wife, Audrey Pinke, while she was a student at Winona State and was waitressing at Sammy’s Pizza. They were married on January 11, 1964, at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Winona, and she preceded him in death on December 20, 2023.

Gene was employed for over 30 years with the Street Department of the City of Winona as a painter and striper, and in retirement, Gene also worked as a crossing guard at Madison School. He had a deep devotion to his Catholic faith and was a lifetime member of St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Winona.

Gene loved anything sports – he was an avid fan of the Vikings and the Twins, and in his earlier years, he enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball. He later took up golfing, scoring several holes-in-one, but his most memorable golf outing was on November 21, 1991, in Ettrick, WI, where he scored a double eagle on the par 5 seventh hole.

His greatest joy in life was his family, and he will forever be remembered as a kind and good man who will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him the most.

Gene is lovingly survived by his children: Susan (Marty) Salseg and Jean Hoffmaster; in-laws: Mavis (Bill) Bingaman and Dave (Nancy) Pinke; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Audrey; brothers-in-law: Ronald and Donald Pinke; and his special friends, Jim and Jerry Langowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM on Friday, October 25, 2024, at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church. The Very Reverend Mark C. McNea will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., on Thursday, October 24, 2024, beginning with a Prayer Service at 4 PM and a time to share memories, followed by visitation until 6 PM. Visitation will also be held at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 10 AM until the time of the Mass

Gene’s family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the Gundersen Health System Hospital in La Crosse, Winona Health, and Winona Health Hospice Services for the excellent and loving care that he received. They would also like to extend their gratitude to the “Sunset Addition” neighborhood (you know who you are). It was your kindness and watchful eyes that allowed our mom and dad to stay in a house and a neighborhood they loved. For this we are eternally grateful. Also, a special thank you to Jack and Jaslynn for the treats, cards, and visits. They were truly the highlight of his day. 

Memorials may be directed to Winona Health Hospice Services.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Gene’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.