Leland K. Gorges age 70, New London, died on Sunday, March 27, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at his home following a brief struggle with melanoma. Leland was born on September 19, 1940, in Caledonia Township (Waupaca County), son of Harvey and Pearl (Laib) Gorges. On August 13, 1960, he was united in marriage to Bette Laux in New London. He worked for the New London School District for 30 years in the custodial department retiring in 2008. Leland enjoyed being with his family and traveling with his wife. He also liked going to the casino, riding his moped, gardening, mowing his lawn and being outside.
He is survived by his wife Bette, four daughters, Barbara (Bernie Jr.) Ritchie, New London; Jill (Dan) Lemke, New London; Susan Hansen, Clintonville; and Brenda (Timothy) Maass, Northport. Eleven grandchildren, Josh, Jessi (Bob), Bernie III, Ryan, Cory, Kristin, Darrell (Valerie), Ashley, Cody, Courtney, and Kayle; six great-grandchildren: Levi, Layna, Storm, Skyler, Lyric and Ethan. Three brothers, Delton (Judy) Gorges, New London; Doug (Janice) Gorges, Readfield; Art (Noni) Gorges, New London; two sisters, Edith (Harold) Johnson, Clintonville; Marcia (Rodney) Seefeldt, New London; sisters-in-law, Pat Gorges, Joyce Woldt, Virginia Gorges and Phyllis Gorges; and his mother-in-law, Helen Laux. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers, Laurence, Victor, Roland, Vernon, Junior, Lyle and Marlin; a sister, Norma Jean (Gene) Grunwald, and his father in-law, Clarence “Pete” Laux. Funeral services for Leland were held on Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London with Fr. David Lewis officiating. Visitation was held at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 29, 2011, from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. and also at the funeral home on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established.