Kenneth G. Gaworski

Kenneth G. Gaworski, husband of Joan Marie, father of Krista Ann Coleman- Huiras, Michelle Marie Phillips and Matthew Kenneth Gaworski went to heaven from his home in La Crescent, MN. on June 9, 2016. Ken was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia almost 7 years ago. He had an infection that resulted in emergency surgery on Christmas morning 2015 and a two week stay at Gundersen Health System of La Crosse. His family was told he had 2 weeks to live and would be put in a home to live out his last days. They fought against this and took him home. He's been home and hanging in there every day since. He recently had another infection and seemed to bounce back. He never gave up and neither did they! He kept his humor and dry wit and made everyone laugh.

Ken was born July 15, l939 in Aurora, IL. If anyone wanted to live to enjoy the outdoors, farming, country music and chewing tobacco, it was Kenny. Ken graduated from Marmion Military Academy in Aurora, Ill. He was drafted into the Army where he spent two years in Donnersberg, Wiesbaden and other sites in Germany as a Microwave Radio Repair Man. He traveled to many countries while in the service. After returning home he spent months in the mountains of Utah, Montana, and Idaho leading pack trains and hunting parties into the wilderness. Ken was a confirmed bachelor and mountain man who met Joni in l974. They became best friends and were married 2 years later, August 7, l976 in Oswego, IL. They renewed their vows in a Catholic ceremony at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Bristol, IL, on Dec. 23, l978. In August they would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

Ken and his dad worked their family farm for years in Oswego, IL. When Ken was in his later 30's, Commonwealth Edison Power Co. took their land for power lines. He also worked with his father and future father-in-law, David Edwards, at Lyon Metal Products in Montgomery, IL. Ken and Joni and their family moved on to Hokah, MN, to start their own family farm. Joni and Ken farmed Riverside Farm for over 28 years when the DNR and Mn.Dot bought them out in order to enlarge the Hokah bridge and fix the river from flooding. Besides farming Ken enjoyed working at Mill's Fleet Farm in Winona, MN. for 17 years as Department Head in the Lumber Yard. Losing one farm in a lifetime is sad. Losing both of your homes in the same way was heartbreaking.

Ken was one of the first men to introduce soccer to the La Crescent area with John Pick. He was a soccer coach for many years and never missed one of his son’s games. He also fixed up the back of the barn where Matthew's bands practiced over the years. There were always kids coming and going.

Ken is survived by his wife, 3 children and 3 grandchildren, Kyle Christian Coleman, stationed in Virginia, Chad Thomas and Quin Marie Coleman of La Crosse, WI. Also, his brothers-in-law, Gary (Sharon), Steve and Mike (Julie Owen) Edwards of Aurora, IL. He is further survived by two son's-in-law, Rich Phillips of Desoto, WI. and Dr. Christopher Huiras of La Crosse, WI. and, his sisters, JoAnn (Bob) Zell, Jeanette (Ralph) Anton, Jane Frederick, a brother, George (Lauralee) Gaworski, and their families. He will be met in heaven by his mother Irene, his father George, two sisters, Katherine Gaworski and Helen DeTrana, his brothers-in-law, David Lloyd Edwards who recently passed, Paul DeTrana and Wilbur “Peck” Frederick. He will further be overjoyed to see his two favorite uncles, Leo and Frank Molitor, his godson, Larry Molitor, a special cousin, "little Charlie" and his special aunt, Jane Weeks. God willing, his three favorite dogs, Bruno, Baby, and Petey will run to greet him. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nephews, and all of his hunting buddies who gathered yearly to deer hunt in Butterfield Valley, Hokah, MN.

A Mass Of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 on Friday, June 17, 2016 at the Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent, MN, with Rev. Paul J. Breza, officiating. Interment will be private. Friends and family may gather at the church an hour and a half before the service. Full military rites will be provided by the Gittens-Leidel American Legion Post 595 La Crescent.

You've always told me, " I will love you forever plus one." The next time I look into your eyes, we'll have wings and we will fly. I will miss you forever plus one, King of the Corn.