Gorden Schenker, age 66, of Birchwood, WI died on January 26, 2016 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI. Gordy was born in Janesville, WI on December 31, 1949, the beloved son of Doris Heinz Schenker. He was a 1968 graduate of Parker High School in Janesville. Gordy was drafted in 1970, and sent to active duty in Vietnam where he was wounded in action and received the National Defense Service Medal. The anti-war sentiment of the era made his return to civilian life difficult, and he struggled to cope. Shortly after coming to work at Lab Safety Supply in Janesville in 1988, he entered in-patient treatment for alcoholism. This treatment and the guidance and support of the wonderful members of A.A. helped him achieve the sobriety that he maintained for the rest of his life.
On August 31, 1991 he married the love of his life and co-worker the former Gloria Townsend. They worked together for more than 20 years. Gordy made many close friends at Lab Safety, including three special ladies who spoiled him rotten, Gwen Brassington, Cheryl Broten and Deb Cahill. In 2009, Gordy was diagnosed with Acute Myloid Leukemia. His treatment at UW Madison’s Carbon Cancer Center was, by necessity, very aggressive. Though greatly weakened by his treatment, he survived, and spent the next 6 1/2 years pursuing his dreams.
As a Green Bay Packer season ticket holder, he was able to attend Super Bowl XLV in Dallas,TX in 2011 and see his beloved Packers return the Lombardi trophy to Green Bay.
In 2012, Gordy and Gloria moved to their country home in Birchwood.WI. He loved the peaceful surroundings filled with regular visits from birds, deer, and even the occasional bear!
Gordy is survived by his wife Gloria, her sons Jessie (Tammy) Davis and Jake (Juliet) Davis, a grandson Tyler Davis, his sister Cindy Jensen (Mike Ast), his brother-in-law Bob (Trina) Townsend and their daughters Angie and Gracie. He is also survived by nieces Brenda (Dana) and Heather (Nate), nephews John (Heather) and Charlie, cousins Don, Dave (Carole), Jill (Dave), Robin (Ed), and Jackie (Jim), and their families.
Gordy was proceeded in death by his mother Doris, Sister Sandra Widmayer, Cousin Sue, and Uncle Dick.
Special thanks to Gordy’s closest friend Keith Burdick and his wonderful wife Lynn for often making the long trip north to visit – Keith you could always make him laugh!
No services will held at this time, but a celebration of life will be held in Janesville this spring. Interment will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Spooner WI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Smith Funeral Chapel of Eau Claire, WI.
I have great memories of Gordy while in high school in Janesville. I hadn’t kept in touch because I ended up serving 30 years in the Navy and never knew where he ended up. I know he didn’t have an easy life, but I hope his family will accept my sincere condolences. I will always remember nothing but good times and treasure the time he spent with a much younger(at the time) teen. He was a class act.
Thinking of you, Gloria, at this difficult time. We are remembering the day you & Gordy visited us at our cabin on the lake, & the nice chat we had. Gordy will be missed by many. He’s been through a lot, and God gave you many great years together that you will always treasure! We pray that He helps you through the rest of this “up north” winter ok, & we look forward to meeting up with you sometime this summer! Hugs, my friend.
You can certainly see your skills within the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart. “If you feel yourself falling, let go and glide.” by Steffen Francisco.
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