Michelle Gorgas
January 01, 2010
Michelle Gorgas, 62, passed away suddenly, Friday, January 1, 2010. She was born on February 6, 1947 to Wilma and Fred Smith in Des Moines, Iowa.
She enjoyed shopping, having a cup of coffee while reading the newspaper and spending time with her grandchildren and family.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Martin Gorgas, her two boys, Richard Gorgas and Thomas (Jacque) Gorgas, grandchildren, Ryan Gorgas and Hadie Gorgas. She was preceded in death by her parents and aunt and uncle Cliff and Noni Helstrom.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, followed by a reception at the Otter Creek Golf Course, 1410 NE 36th Street in Ankeny. A visitation with the family present will be from time 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at the funeral home. Private burial will be held at Greenwood Friends Cemetery in Ankeny, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Rescue League in loving memory of Michelle.
Online condolences may be made to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Judy Russell Johnston
01/05/2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I went all thru school with Michelle. We had a lot of good times together. We used to go to shopping in downtown Des Moines. We always had fun. I also remember her Aunt Noni, she would do anything for Michelle and would take us almost anywhere we wanted to go. We were especially close in grade school and will always remember the mud pies we made. We had lots of fun and I will always remember Michelle. She always had a smile.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Russell Johnston
Hickory Cove neighbors
01/05/2010
Tom & Jacque, So sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a wonderful bright spot in many lives, which makes it even harder to have her gone. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gina (Rayhons) Britt
01/04/2010
My sympathies to you at this sorrowful time. Mickey was a friendly and kind person who seemed to always smile. We enjoyed snowmobiling with Martin and Mickey on Clear Lake over the years. God bless you during this difficult time.
Lori Ritz
01/04/2010
Hi Martin, probably don't remember me but I grew up next door to you and Micki when I was growing up. My sister in law, Sue, told me of Micki's death and I wanted to send my thoughts to you and the boys. I do remember her laugh and her smile---remember how Ricky called my little brother, "Boo."? Micki always thought that was funny and wondered if he would ever learn his right name. Again know of my thoughts and prayers--Lori Ritz, Phoenix Arizona
Renee Kramer
01/04/2010
Marty and family I'm so very saddened to hear of your terrible loss. I have fond memories of Micki when they would come to Clear Lake. I always enjoyed our conversations and am glad I got to see her one last time before the holidays. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you- Renee' Kramer Clear Lake Iowa
Janean Skinner Lasswell
01/04/2010
Michelle - My best friend from Wallace Elementary all through East High. We had so many great times together. Staying overnight at Noni and Cliffs and you driving Noni's car when you were 12! We used to laugh about your folks being "Fred and Wilma" (as in Flintstones). Always so easy to laugh - How could you not be with us? I will always love you. You brought so much joy to my life when we were growing up. Peace to you my dear friend.
Melanie Coon
01/04/2010
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I loved Michelle. SHe was always so sweet to me. She had a kind heart. I am sure she will be greatly missed.
SHe was always so happy and upbeat.
My heart goes out all of your family.
Melanie
Gloria Mayer
01/04/2010
Ever time I hear her name (Michelle) I hear her laugh and I think of her smile. I will always carry her in my heart .I will miss her . To the family I'am so sorry for your loss my prayers will be with you.
Bob Keck
01/04/2010
Sorry for your loss Tom and Jaq's
Janean Skinner Lasswell
01/03/2010
Dear Martin and boys,
I just this moment learned of Mick's passing. I am devastated and I want you to know how much she meant to me. Even though I haven't seen her in nine years, she has always been a very special person in my life. I know her wasn't easy for many years, as she was always so busy taking care of her aunt and uncle and her dad, besides her own family. I used to tease her about what a "cleaning machine" she was and we always got a laugh out her cleaning the rafters in her basement every week. Micky and I were together constantly as kids in elementary school. I know she had a lot of friends, but I felt especially close to her and spent the night at her house many times. I regret I am not in Iowa to visit with you, but know that I send my sincere sympathies to you as you say good bye to your dear wife and mother and my dear friend, Michele. Sincerely, Janean Skinner Lasswell
suzan mcginn
01/03/2010
Michelle my friend, my collegue, my sister in handbags and shoes. I will eternally miss our time together. I am devastated at my oss of your total goofiness at the office. We have some of my favorite memories and stories . I will forever remeber the burning of the bacon and the papertowel in the oven ,and the getting locked in the back yard of Tom and Vicki and having to holler for help. My singing of Susan Boyle will never be done again, as it was only for your lack of enjoyment that I did it. No one will ever give me the pleasures of coming to work the way that you did. My heart is clearly broken as I am sure that of your family and loved ones is. You had so many friends. Even Darby is broken hearted. I only hope that I will see you again my friend.