William John Gormley, 82, of Wells, MN peacefully passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024 surrounded by family at Pillars of Mankato after a courageous battle with a glioblastoma brain tumor. A memorial service will be held Monday, January 22, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN (789 Business Park Drive). Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024 from 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm at Nasinec Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Monday. Military Honors will be accorded by the Wells Color Guard and burial will be in Rice Lake Cemetery, Foster Township, Faribault County, MN.
Bill was born on August 4,1941 to Richard and Julia (Schai) Gormley in Minneapolis, MN. He grew up in St. Anthony Village and attended St. Charles Borromeo Grade School. Growing up in NordEast Minneapolis, Bill had many unique experiences and job opportunities. He was always willing to work hard to make an extra buck. Bill modeled for Dayton’s Department Store and was the first Junior Attendant of the Minneapolis Aquatennial Royalty. What he enjoyed most was fixing cars at Sroga’s Garage, where he utilized his natural talent for fixing things and problem solving.
After graduating from De La Salle High School in 1959, Bill enlisted in the US Coast Guard where he proudly served his country. During his time at Dunwoody College of Technology to become a Master Electrician, Bill was in a car accident and ended up at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis. There he met a cute little redheaded student nurse, Karlene Nore, who stole his heart while taking care of him. This began their 59 year love story together. The two united in marriage on June 13,1964. Bill and Karlene became mom and dad to four children: Dan, Mike, Karla, and Elizabeth. From owning his own business, Gormley Electric, to commuting 126 miles one way to the Twin Cities as a Planner Estimator for the federal government, Bill’s career took him in many directions and places. Despite his life on the road, family always took priority – he never missed a beat back home.
Bill developed a deep passion for country living and his community. 4-H became a huge part of his life at the local, county, and state levels being an adult leader for over 25 years. He enjoyed teaching, judging, and projects such as small engines, horses, and fishing. Bill also enjoyed his time as a Cub Scout leader and an EMT instructor for the Rescue Squad. One of Bill’s greatest prides was being a founding member and the first president of Northland House in Rochester, which later turned into the Ronald McDonald House.
Bill found his heaven on Earth on the shores of French Lake with his family in 1990. Many memories and life lessons were made there full of fishing, family time, and fun. Whether it was trolling for the big muskie, finding the perfect fishing spot, or fishing for crappies and sunnies off the dock, we could always count on Captain Bill to show us the way. Bill had the ability to think outside of the box to solve a problem. If he couldn’t fix it, he would sleep on it and invent a new way using one of his many gadgets. He was the first call when something went wrong. Above all, Bill cherished his role as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was the face in the crowd you looked forward to, which always included a “hi sign.” He started a legacy of loving more and living big, which will be felt for generations to come. He will always be our sunshine.
Bill is survived by his wife Karlene Gormley; children: Dan Gormley of Wells, MN, Mike (Kim) Gormley of Bricelyn, MN, Karla (Dave) Tully of Le Seuer, MN, and Elizabeth (Mark) Landgraff of Mankato, MN; grandchildren: Brianna (Mike) Linder, Mikayla (Colin) Wegner, Myah Gormley; Hannah (Ben) Johnson, Madeline Kleschult, Lucy Kleschult, Lexi (Sherrie) Dubinski, Kayla (Cory) Lamasky; Collin & Norah Landgraff; great-grandchildren: Will, Kipp, & Brynlee Linder; Cash & Baby Wegner; Ruby Elliott; Baby Johnson; Aubree Dubinski; siblings: Richard Gormley, Denny (La Rae) Gormley, Colleen (Rick) Stephens; nieces: Theresa (Neal) Purtee, Christine (Chris) Sarkinen; nephew: Donald Stephens.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Richard and Julia Gormley; Karlene’s parents: Carl and Ruby Nore; in-laws: Donnie & Bonnie Nore; niece: Kellyann Gormley.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be given to the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester.
To view a recording of the service for William, please follow the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKtNphmNgco
I am so very sorry! Hugs and prayers for all of you. God bless ❤️❤️🙏🙏
So sorry Gormley family he was a very good man
So sad to read this. My sympathy to all the Gormleys.
Many memories of all of you growing up.
Sympathy to all of the Gormley family. Hugs and prayers are being sent your way. ❤️🙏🏻.
Sincere Sympathy to the Gormley Family. Thoughts & Prayers to you at this sad time. 🙏💙🇺🇸
Our deepest sympathy to the Gormley family. We send our love and prayers to each of you.
Thoughts and prayers to the Gormley Family.
Our sincere sympathy to the Gormley family. May you find comfort in you’re everlasting memories.
Sending prayers and sympathy for the Gormley family
Sending prayers and deepest sympathy to the entire Gormley family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Prayers and much love to yo and your wonderful family Karlene. Bill was a bright spot in this world.
so many great memories with all of the gormley family. couldn’t ask for better friends and neighbors. we are grateful for the times we had and wish all of you comfort and peace. sending our love and hugs
A beautiful life🌹
Hugs to the Gormley family. 💕
So many fond memories of growing up in the Rice Lake neighborhood with the Gormely’s! Bill will Always Be in Our Memories 🙏🙏 Peace be with you all as you continue your journey ahead🙏♥️
our thoughts and prayers in your loss
Someone whose stories I will always share with clients and friends. Those stories are priceless. Enjoyed every minute I was allowed to spend with him over the years. Karlene, god speed!! Heaven is definitely a better place with Bill telling his stories and looking down and taking care of his loved ones. God bless you all!!!
So sorry about your loss. There was only one Bill and he will be dearly missed by many! Hold in your hearts all the love he has given you! May you find peace that he no longer suffers.🙏🏻❤️
Karlene and family very sorry to hear Bill‘s passing. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. God bless and keep you always.
My Condolences to the family. Bill was a great guy and always had advice for me. Where to fish, what bait to use and what not to use. He was always willing to help me or borrow me a tool. He always seemed to have what ever I needed. He was always smiling and always willing to take a moment to just chat. I will miss him on the lake.
My heartfelt condolences to Karlene and the entire Gormley family. I had the opportunity to work along side Bill for a year when he supervised the electrical remodeling at the Owatonna Canning Compsny in Bricelyn. He was a master at figuring anything out. Rest in peace good friend!
Sending my condolences to the entire Gormley family, especially Mike. He sounded like an amazing man! May the happy memories of a beautiful man and father help ease your pain. May he rest in peace.
Our heartfelt condolences to Karlene, Karla and the entire Gormley family. So very sorry the loss of a great all-around guy. Lots of memories of our kids growing up together. What a lovely obituary and tribute to Bill.