Loretta Gorgus

Loretta Gorgus, age 92 of South St. Paul and long-time resident of Hastings, died peacefully on Thursday, May 12, 2016. Loretta, the daughter of Ferdinand and Ruth (Poore) Pechacek, was born on January 18, 1924 in Denmark Township, Washington County, Minnesota. A Hastings High School graduate of 1941, Loretta was united in marriage to Emmett M. Gorgus in 1946. Loretta was a longtime homemaker and retired 3M switchboard operator. Our beautiful mom is now reunited with her husband, Emmett who preceded her in death in 1968; parents Ferdinand and Ruth Pechacek; sisters, Ella HagemanandLorraine Cater; and brothers, Edward, Earl, Lawrence and Walter Pechacek. She will be greatly missed by her family, Alan Carol Gorgus, Nan John Palmer and Leslie Bob Wolfgram; grandchildren, Troy, Mark, Sara, Dana, Kelly, Andrew, Brian Jennifer; and the little ones that provided great-grandma "Gigi" much enjoyment, Cody, Alese, Anna, Tristan, Grant, Logan, Greta and Jaxson. Loretta also leaves behind her brother William Pechacek and four sisters, Leona Chilson, Josephine George, Dorothy Meyer and Helen Rasmussen. Mom treasured many lovely friendships and found joy in each day. A gathering of friends and family will be Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. all at Cottage Grove United Church of Christ, 7008 Lamar Avenue, Cottage Grove, with Reverend Bryan Olson officiating. Interment will follow at Cottage Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services in Hastings.