Don Pogorzelski

Don Pogorzelski was called to eternal life August 23, 2008. He was born in Milwaukee on June 24, 1930, and graduated from South Division High School. He moved to Racine in 1949 to work for his father’s business, Kamm Glass. Don became part owmer and president of Kamm Glass following his father’s death, working there until retiring after more than 35 years.

He married Joan Collins on December 15, 1951, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. Don and Joan had 8 children: Lynn (Larry) Westrich, Tom (Leslie) Pogorzelski, Mark Pogorzelski, Dan (Sherrie) Pogorzelski, Joe (Delia) Pogorzelski, Don Pogorzelski, Julie (Richard) Scott and Ann Pogorzelski. They have 16 grandchildren, Josh (Tiffany) and Chris Baumstark, Peter and Jordan Westrich, Suzie (Wade) Towers, Dylan Pogorzelski, Adrian, Kaitlyn, and Garrett Barney, Deda Franco, Darryl (Stephanie) Briggs, Amanda Pogorzelski, Micah, Caleb, and Leah Scott, Amber Pogorzelski; 9 great-grandchildren, Logan and Peyton Baumstaark, Jake and Grace Towers, Ilean and Josalyn Franco, and Anthony Villagrana. He is also survived by 2 brothers, Robert (Barbara) Pogorzelski, and David (Delores) Pogorzelski; a sister, Diane (Squire) Ostrandere; many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He will be sadly missed by all. He was a second father to Sue Funk.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lucy Pogorzelski, and a niece, Cindy Pogorzelski.

He was a member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church since 1951. He had belonged to St. Edward’s Men’s Club and was a youth sports coach. Don was instrumental in starting City League 12-inch softball and was the first referee for City Women’s Volleyball. He was an active 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Chapter 697 and was honored to be a past Grand Knight amongst many other positions. He loved sports, reading, playing Dominos, going to casinos, talking, laughing and sleeping. He especially loved Door County where he spent many precious times.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, August 28, 2008, at 6 p.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Ave., with Reverend Richard Molter officiating. Relatives and friends may meet Thursday at the church, from 3:30 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. Donations to St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus or Hospice Alliance have been suggested.

A special thank you to the staff and volunteers at Ridgewood Care Center and Hospice Alliance for their loving and compassionate care.

Don lived life with love and faced death confident in God’s promise of eternity.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888