Jeff Gorecki’s family lost a dear husband, father, brother, grandpa, and uncle on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

His life began on February 18, 1948, in Elmshorn, Germany to parents Hans and Marta (nee Stienke) Gorecki. Jeff and his family immigrated to the United States in 1955. They were sponsored by the Lutheran Church. He learned the English language quickly. Jeff attended Cary-Grove High School in Cary, Illinois. In his late teens, he embraced the free-spirited hippie lifestyle. In 1967, he hitchhiked across the country to be with his future wife, Linda Wright. They were united in marriage and together they raised two daughters. Jeff retired from a successful career at AT&T in his mid-50s. After an amicable divorce, Jeff remained friends with Linda. Jeff lived in Switzerland for several years before returning to the United States. In 2006, he met his future love, Bonnie Jacque. They were united in marriage on May 24, 2008.

Jeff was a passionate nature photographer throughout his life, developing a later love of golf, even achieving a hole in one. He was a very social, gregarious person who loved traveling and developed many friendships throughout the world. Above all, he cherished his time spent with family and friends.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Bonnie Jacque, his children Andrea (Jeff) Puetz, and Sara (Antonio) Cantu, his stepchildren Jason (Emma) Jacque, Jodi (special friend John Schrammel) Raih, and Janelle (special friend Jamie Kamin) LeClair. He is further survived by 12 grandchildren, sisters Wally Winiecki and Erika (Tom) Bryan, nephews Dale Schroeder and Justin Bryan, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Linda (nee Wright) Gorecki.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Erin, Wisconsin (495 St. Augustine Road Colgate, Wisconsin). Rev. Wineke will be presiding. The family will greet guests from 9:30AM until the time of the service at 11AM.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Harbor Club and Preceptor Hospice for their care and compassion.

Donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or St. Paul’s UCC- Erin are greatly appreciated.