In Memoriam

Rev. Ronald Gorske

Ronald C. Gorske passed away December 6, 2024 after a prolonged illness. Born in

Denmark, WI on September 26, 1945 to Olga and Arnold Gorske, Ron was

baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Denmark. Pastor Gorske graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1971 and served as a parish pastor in Johnson, MN. In 1974 he was called to Fox Valley Lutheran High School as a teacher, guidance counselor, and tennis coach. He held this position for 40 years until his retirement in 2014. During his years at FVL, Pastor Gorske taught Life of Christ, New Testament, Revelation, Christian Living, and Latin, among other courses.

Pastor Gorske had not only a heart for teaching, but more importantly a heart for his Savior and a heart for Jesus’ lambs. He lived his belief that “high school ministry is always about Jesus.” He could converse with anyone at any time for any amount of time and create a sincere bond with people he had just met. He had a tremendous influence on thousands of students, particularly a number of young men whom he mentored for ministry. 

One such is this author, who remembers Ron Gorske as one of the two most influential pastors who encouraged him to consider pastoral ministry, and who was later blessed to serve with Pastor Gorske for over 20 years.

Ron Gorske is survived by his wife Judy, 5 children and 10 grandchildren. We rejoice with the psalmist: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants” (Psalm 116:15).

Norman “Boyd” Tech was born on June 11, 1943 to Walter and Sadie May Tech in Martin, SD. He was the youngest child of 8. He attended high school in Mobridge, SD at Northwestern Lutheran Academy then attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN where he met his wife Muriel Jean Frey. They married after their senior year and began their teaching ministries in Red Wing, MN. Boyd took his second call to Kawkawlin, MI, and then accepted a call to Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, WI in 1973. While at FVL, he taught in the English department and coached tennis. He served at FVL for 6 years and then accepted a call to Phoenix, AZ where he taught at Arizona Lutheran Academy. He later taught several years at Glendale Community College and finished his career at Tolleson High School in AZ. Boyd is survived by his wife Muriel, 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. We give thanks that Boyd is now with his Savior. “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).