Clayton C. Gorges

Clayton C. Gorges, 85, of Menasha, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2020. He was born on July 7, 1935 to the late Otto and Viola (Fink) Gorges.  Clayton met the love of his life, Anna Henn, on a blind date in April of 1956. They married 4 short months later on August 11, 1956.  They recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary, recommitting their love for each other.

At a young age, Clayton drove school bus part time in Hortonville, while working full time at Miller Electric.  He retired from Miller Electric in 1995 after 32 years of service.  After retirement, his love of bus driving brought him to Lamers Bus Lines.  His personality, love, and jokes made him a highly requested bus driver.  He was honored to be the official bus driver for Appleton East Forensics until his official retirement at the age of 75.

He was a handy man who liked to tinker, he could fix everything from lawn mowers and cars to plumbing, electrical, roofing and siding.  He was always there to lend his expertise and helping hands to his family. He is remembered as a great inventor, story teller, and practical joker.  He enjoyed playing Sheepshead and Canasta on Saturday evenings with his kids and grandkids, and monthly traveling games and luncheons with his in-laws.  He also enjoyed bird watching and traveling to Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida with family and friends.  Most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Clayton is survived by his wife; Anna, daughters; Cindy (Don) Mentzel, and Sandy (David) Hartjes, and son; Mike Gorges and Brenda Gorges, 8 grandchildren; Erin (Nate) Lantz, Nathan (Jess) Carmody, Ashlee (Steve) Waldvogel, Jeremy (Penny) Mentzel, Jason (Amy) Mentzel, Renee (Maurice) Junius, Miranda Gorges, and Adam Gorges. 8 great-grandchildren; Elijah, Clayton, Carmadie, Noah, Sophie, Jameson, Jaxon and Hunter.

He is preceded in death by his son-in-law Tom Carmody and numerous aunts, uncles, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Clayton is a member of St. Thomas More Parish in Appleton, WI.  A funeral mass for Clayton will be held on Saturday, November  14, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas More. Visitation will be held at the church prior, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

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