Louis C. "Louie" Goralski Jr., age 76, died on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Talamore Senior Living in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. He was born on October 30, 1948 in Waukesha to Louis and Olive (Bulson) Goralski Sr.

Louie spent some early childhood growing up first in Waukesha, then in southeast Michigan, then moving to Dousman, and then Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He lived for a time in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada with his grandparents, and also lived in San Francisco. He graduated high school in Pewaukee in 1967, but attended some schooling in Canada.

In 1953, when Louie was 4, a devastating F4 tornado that was part of a widespread tornado outbreak destroyed the duplex where Louie, his family, and another couple lived near Temperance, Michigan. Louie and his family and the other couple survived by the fire department digging them out of the destroyed dwelling's basement. Louie was distraught over the fact he could not go to the outdoor movie that night as that complex was destroyed as well as many other things.

Louie was employed in casting foundries in Waukesha and later Waupaca. He also worked at Quad Graphics at Pewaukee for several years and other jobs in other towns. He also delivered the Milwaukee Journal newspaper for a number of years in Oconomowoc and Waupaca. Louie was a staunch union supporter and a free spirit in the truest sense having lived for a time at Haight-Ashbury during the counterculture movement. He used to hitchhike all over and once hitchhiked from San Francisco to Pewaukee barefoot just to prove he could do it. He was also anti-war. He found out years later, much to his chagrin, that some of the parts he was certifying at the Waukesha foundry were destined for the M1 tank.

Louie loved to fish more than anything. You could often find him on Wisconsin inland lakes on his boat. He was a true fisherman with a large collection of the best fishing gear. Louis also enjoyed target shooting. He also loved to ride his Harley Davidson in the summers and especially throughout northern Wisconsin.

Louie will always be remembered for his good sense of humor. One time on his fishing boat when another fisherman had not adequately secured the motor, it suddenly plummeted to the bottom of the lake off the back of his boat. Louie was not happy but got over that like he did when numerous anchors ended up at the bottom of a lake on another fishing expedition (the shallow appearing lake was really much deeper than the anchor rope was long).

Louie was a kind hearted generous soul, always having gifts and presents for the kids of friends and relatives for birthdays and holidays. He was a big fan of Reese's peanut butter cups and would share them with no one but his niece. He also enjoyed going out for fish fry on Fridays with his family. This was a regular outing whenever family was gathered together.

Louie is survived by his mother, Olive Jean Eales of Minocqua; his sister Lorna Goralski of Bristol township; his brother Lester Charles Goralski of Johnson City, Tennessee; his brother-in-law Marty Lurvey; his niece Brenda Lurvey; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and sister Linda Lurvey. He will be dearly missed by all.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Louis's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com