by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Benedict Gorecki, a generous benefactor to the College of St. Benedict and other places, died July 9 at the age of 87 at his home in Milaca.
During his long life, Gorecki donated millions of dollars to help the needs of central Minnesota, including $2.2 million for expansion of the Benedicta Arts Center at CSB, as well as $3.5 million to build the Gorecki Dining and Conference Center, also at CSB. He also funded the St. Cloud Hospital Gorecki Guest House for the loved ones of patients to stay while they are recovering; and several million dollars for a 40-room addition at the St. Benedict Senior Community.
Gorecki was the founder/owner of Gorecki Manufacturing Inc. in Milaca, which he started almost 50 years ago. The company custom-manufactures a staggering variety of products, from custom fixtures to packaging, from custom crating to laminating, laser-cutting and welding of products.
Born in Sauk Rapids, Gorecki graduated from Foley High School in 1945 and married Dorothy Marion of Williston, N.D. He graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1963 with degrees in business administration and electrical engineering.
The Goreckis and their five children moved from Grand Forks to Milaca in 1967, at which time he founded Gorecki Manufacturing, which is still thriving. He was also a movie theater owner in Milaca for more than 20 years, a position he considered a fun part-time job.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Eagles Aerie 612 in St. Cloud.
Survivors include his wife; two of his five children: Barbara, Linda (Ray) Locher; sister Mary Ann (Charles) Winkelman; grandchildren Jerome, Jonathan, Jeffry, Carrie, Tony, Brad and Victoria; and great-grandchildren Judd, Nora and Sawyer.
Funeral services for Gorecki are set for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milaca. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. at the church. He will be buried at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Cemetery in Brennyville.
Benedict “Ben” Gorecki
