Robert Edward Gorence

The beloved patriarch of our family, Robert Edward Gorence, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on July 8, 2016. Bob was born on February 25, 1930 in Sheboygan, WI. Bob's parents, Joseph and Antonia Gorence, were very proud to be new United States citizens having immigrated from Slovenia. Bob's two older siblings, Joe Jr. and Sophie, preceded him in death. Joe Jr. had an illustrious military career with the 101st Airborne Division during World War II and jumped in the early morning hours of D-Day in Normandy. Bob is survived by his sister, United States Magistrate Judge Patricia Gorence and her husband, John Bach of Milwaukie, WI.

Bob graduated high school from St. Francis Minor Seminary in Milwaukie in 1948. He then joined the United States Navy and proudly served for two years. Upon discharge, he attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, but the Korean War interrupted and Bob returned to serve his country in the Navy for another 18 months. Bob resumed his studies, graduated, and then followed up with a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1955. Bob was a collegiate fencer for the Badgers and was a "W" letterman.

Bob married the love of his life, Joanne T. Gorman, on June 11, 1956. A wonderful 60th Anniversary was celebrated only four weeks ago. Bob and Joanne were blessed with two children, Robert Joseph and his wife, Louren Gorence Oliveros of Albuquerque, and Susan Davies and her husband, John Davies of Melbourne, Australia. Bob had a special relationship with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Gorence of Washington, D.C., Antonia Gorence and Christophe Maurissen of London, England, Peter Gorence and his wife, Jessica of Scottsdale, AZ, Joey Gorence of Albuquerque, Robert Frantzeskos of Melbourne, Australia, Stevie Frantzeskos of Melbourne, Marie Gorence of Los Angeles, Andrew Frantzeskos of Melbourne, Maya Oliveros-Orozco of Albuquerque, Leah Katherine Gorence of Albuquerque; and great-grandchildren, Michael and James Maurissen, with a little sister on the way, of London.

Bob was hardworking and an incredibly creative thinker in his successful career in American business. After a short academic stint, Bob started working with his good friends, the Hoffman brothers, at Hoffman House Enterprises. In 1966, Bob became one of the original "Mad Men" when he joined the world's then biggest advertising agency, Young & Rubicam, as Vice President in their Chicago office. In 1975, Bob accepted an offer from one of his client's and joined the 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bob loved his 3M days, leading its personal care products division and his years as a marketing manager in its international division. Bob retired in 1990 and with Joanne relocated to Albuquerque, NM.

Bob had a rich and full retirement. He loved the many hours he spent at the Albuquerque Bridge Club. His beautiful garden reflected his status as a master gardener. He traveled extensively to Australia to visit family. Accomplishments and interests aside, Bob was a kind and selflessly loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, neighbor and friend. He completely embraced his Catholic faith. He was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Annunciation Parish. Bob, in the truest sense, devoted his life to God and the Catholic Church, and to his family. Bob lived each day with a deep, undying love for the United States of America. He enjoyed a wonderful life and he continues to provide an example of how to make the world a better place.

The Rosary will be recited on Monday, July 18, 2016, 7:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University. Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, 8:30 a.m., at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish, 2621 Vermont St NE. Interment will follow at 12:45 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.