Gary William Orluske, 82, passed away Sunday, January 31 at Linda Manor. He was born to the late Lawrence and Leona Orluske in Lakefield, MN. in 1938. He shared 53 beautiful years with his loving wife Beverlee Orluske. He is survived by wife Beverlee, children Dawn and Michael Fournier, Holly and Elliott Jones and the great joys of his life, grandchildren Ileana and Gabriel Fournier and Jackson, Ethan and Joseph Jones. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brother Ronald, and is survived by his beloved siblings Janice Orluske, Mark and Barbara Orluske, Nadine Orluske and Marge O’Toole. He also cherished nieces Ronda, Nichole, Amber and nephews Brian and Derek.
Gary was a teacher by profession. He taught business at both the High School level in Iowa and junior college in Arizona. He served in the Army Reserves for six years. His passions included tending gardens both vegetable and flower and especially roses. He loved acting and participated in many theater productions at Treasure Village in Iowa and most recently the retirement community at Leisure World in Arizona. He enjoyed singing in numerous church choirs. He delighted in displaying Christmas Villages for his family to enjoy. He loved to bake with his grandchildren and carried on many recipes of the family including peanut croquette bars and russian tea cakes. He loved a good cup of coffee with friends and family.
Gary and Beverlee moved to Massachusetts in the fall of 2014. There he enjoyed reveling in his grandchildren’s accomplishments, attending church and once again enjoying the changing seasons from his front window.
Gratitude to CNA extraordinaire Brenda Boyle for providing loving care and so much fun in the last year of Gary’s life. The family would like to especially thank the trifecta of amazing Reverends who ministered to both Gary and Bev in the last few years - Reverends Andrea Ayvazian, Peter Ives and Carol Rinehart. The family is grateful to Reverend Donald Morgan for his care in Gary’s final months.
Williamsburg Funeral Home is entrusted with his cremation. A service will be held in late spring to honor his life. Donations can be made in Gary’s name to Haydenville Congregational Church, 143 Main St, Haydenville, MA 01039, Cathedral in the Night Ministry, 867 N. Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002, or Crystal Cove Conservancy #5, Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, CA 92657