Gorecki, Frances 'Frankie' Theresa

Frances “Frankie” Theresa Gorecki, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died a peaceful death on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, with her family at her side. Funeral mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, temporarily located at 3100 F Ave. NW, where there will be a 7 p.m. rosary. Visitation also will be one hour before services starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Frankie was born in Detroit, Mich., on Sunday, Feb. 1, 1920, to Anthony and Stella Bodziak Szporka. Frankie grew up in the Detroit area where she met and married her husband Joseph (Joe) Gorecki on Feb. 2, 1946. In 1956, Frankie and Joe moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they made their lifelong home, and raised, as she would say, “My 3 Sons,” son No. 1, Tom; son No. 2, Don; and son No. 3, Jamie.

Frankie touched people in many different ways; they knew her as Mom, Frankie, Mrs. Gorecki or Grandma. She especially loved to be around young people, and everyone knew they would be welcome at the Goreckis, whether playing shuffleboard, cards, Ping-Pong or just hanging out watching TV. Frankie was also known to be a “good cooker,” especially homemade kielbasa, spaghetti, soups, oatmeal/chocolate mint cookies and big bags of buttered popcorn. In addition to being a homemaker, Frankie was employed throughout the years at The Gazette, Kazimour Orchard, Hy-Vee and Primus Construction.

For many years, Frankie was active in the All Saints Parish where she was a member of the Saint Cecilia's Circle, Altar rosary and Catholic Daughters. She also helped out at Knights of Columbus Council No. 5677 bingo games, steak and fish fry dinners and other club events. Frankie's other passion included games of chance, especially K.C. Bingo or slot machines at the casinos. She also enjoyed all sorts of music and dancing, especially the polka.

Frankie was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and Joe, her husband of 36 years.

She is survived by her “3 Sons,” Tom (Sue) of Maple Grove, Minn., Don (Sandi) of Corydon, and Jamie (Sue) of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Derek) Moline, Paul (Cathy) Gorecki, Dan (Sarah) Gorecki and Jill (Nick) McAtee; along with two great-grandchildren, Andrew and Kara Moline; and one surviving brother, Tony Szporka (Del) of Warren, Mich.

The Gorecki family would like to thank Village Ridge for the expert care, love and dignity given to our mother during her life there. Thank you also to Heritage Agency and to Hospice Compassus for all the guidance, support, care and comfort provided to our mother and our family.

A memorial fund will be established in her name.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at

See you later Alligator …