Donald (Rocky) Gorowsky

Donald “Rocky” Gorowsky Donald “Rocky” James Gorowsky, 82, died on December 24, 2012 at the Golden Living Center in Roseville, MN. The visitation will be at 10 AM at St. Pius X Church in White Bear Lake, MN. Father John Mitchell will say Mass beginning at 11 AM. Donald was born on September 3, 1930 in St. Paul, MN. He was the first of four children born to Catherine (Gessner) (deceased in 2001) and Daniel Dominic Gorowsky (deceased in 1976). Don grew up on St. Paul’s East Side where he made many friends and excelled in many sports, including football, hockey, baseball, track & field, ski jumping and tennis. He earned his nickname “Rocky” from his teammates for his hard-hitting play in football, his favorite sport. He graduated from St. Paul Johnson High School in 1948 and enlisted in the Navy. Don returned to St. Paul in 1952 and started working with his father in the family business - General Welding, Inc. on Arcade Street. Don married Frances Eileen Rooney of White Bear Lake on October 10, 1953. Don and Eileen became the proud parents of seven children, four boys and three girls. Don was a founder and the first president of the Bald Eagle Water Ski Club. He skied and drove the boat in the water shows. Don was also involved in coaching youth hockey in White Bear Lake, playing golf at Keller golf course, and spending time with family and friends at the family cabin on Coon Lake in East Bethel MN. Don retired from General Welding in 1991. Don and Eileen spent time traveling with their Hitchhiker trailer to Arizona and campgrounds in Minnesota. Don will be fondly remembered as a loving husband and father, an accomplished all-around athlete, a golfer and an expert welder. He had many friends and was always fun to be around. He lived a very active life until just a few years ago. Don had a big heart and was known to be generous and helpful to his friends and neighbors with his mechanical and welding skills. Don is survived by his loving wife, Frances Eileen and his seven children: Roxanne (Robert Markham), Winter Haven, FL, Sandra (Bruce Huber), Dodge Center, Donald (Joan Comstock), Lino Lakes, Daniel (Leigh Farrell), Lino Lakes, Susie (Michael Anderson), Lino Lakes, John (Elizabeth Wahl), East Bethel, and Steven (Janel Godmare), Andover; brother Merlin (Marilyn), St. Paul, sister Delores (William Lewis) Eugene, OR, nineteen grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and dozens of friends . He was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest sister Darlene.