Gordon “Gordy” LaMont O’Rourke, 93 of Wilton passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Rolling Hills, Sparta. He was born on July 31, 1932, to Daniel and Irene (Weiland) O’Rourke on the farm in the Township of Glendale, Kendall, WI.
He was a member of the Kendall High School Graduating Class of 1950. Gordy grew up farming alongside his father, while in high school, he set bowling pins at Kendall Bowl and ran a milk‑can route to the Hoffman Corners Creamery. An avid bowler throughout his life, he was a proud member of the men’s team and participated in leagues in Kendall, Wilton, and Tomah.
In 1956, Gordy purchased 80 acres in Black Valley, eventually expanding the farm by adding the neighboring property. On September 15, 1956, he was united in marriage to Lois C. Arndt at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilton. Together they welcomed six children: Richard, Barbara, Ann, Lana, Vicky, and Mark.
Gordy devoted his life to farming and raising his family. He enjoyed playing cards and spending time with friends in the bowling leagues. Even after moving to Wilton in 1994, his heart remained on the farm, and he continued helping there as long as his health allowed.
In November 2022, Gordy and Lois moved to Rolling Hills Apartments, later transitioning to the nursing home in September 2024.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Lois of Sparta; children, Barb (John) Ornes, Ann (Bob) Curley, Lana (Rob) Ross, and Vicky (Pat) Weiner; daughter-in-law, Cindy O’Rourke; grandchildren, Matt (Diana), Tim (Sam), Dani, Ryan (Kelly), Amanda (Brandon), Andy, Amber (Brandon), Hannah (Brad), Brandon (Carrie), Kyle and Nicki; 21 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; step-grandchildren, and their families, Dru, Dane and Adelle Curley and Derek, Dane, Dustin and Damian Pasch; sisters, Kathryn Batten, Ruth Murray, Ruby (Duane) Granger; brothers and sisters-in-law, Martin (Julitta) Arndt, Ethel (Donald) Dechant, Hugo “Jack” (Mary Ann) Arndt, Arlis (Larry) Ballwahn, Leonard (Dixie) Arndt, and Judy Arndt. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Richard and Mark; grandchildren, Paul Ornes and Abigail Todd; son-in-law, David Pasch; brothers, Gerald (Waunita); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Allen Batten, Leo Ambort, Cliff Raiten, Doug Murray, Jim Arndt, Bernard (Betty) Arndt, Verne (Marie) Arndt and Carl Arndt.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 401 Mills Street, Wilton. Reverend Karen Sparling will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the church from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM and on Monday at the church from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
Sonnenburg/Smith-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Sonnenburg/Smith-Nelson Funeral Home
