Obituary of Arthur R. Gorsh

Arthur R. "Art" Gorsh, 92, of Iowa City, died at home Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 1:30am. Celebration of Art's life will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, November 7th at Faith Baptist Church, 1251 Village Rd. in Iowa City with burial at the Oxford Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday at the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Essence of Life Hospice or the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Cedar Rapids office) to be used for LGMD2I research, a cause Art has supported whole-heartedly for many years, in honor of his grandson. Arthur Richard Gorsh was born July 20, 1921, in Keokuk County, IA; son of George and Minnie Ethel (Grimm) Gorsh. He was raised in Washington and Keokuk Counties. In March of 1945, Art married Helen Dill. Together they raised 7 children and had 37 years together before the Lord called Helen homeMarch 14, 1983. On August 6, 1983, Art married Mary Murphy and just celebrated their 30th anniversary. Art was a hard, dedicated worker. There was a time for enjoyment…after the work was done!In Art's "spare" time he enjoyed woodworking, refinishing many antique pieces of furniture, as well as making unique pieces of his own, which he gave away. Artstarted working at the age of 12, earning money to buy school clothes so he and his brother could finish their education. In addition to his dream job, his farm, he also worked several farm related jobs, as well as at the University of Iowa for 19 years. As a third job during those years, he worked at several different full service gas stations, including Leo's Gulf. Art accomplished all of this while raising his 7 beloved children. After retirement from the University, he began a lawn care company and did that to perfection, for another 20 years, until the age of 85. He was always there to help a friend or stranger in need. Art was also a faithful man, who knew hisGod, a Christian through his actions, not just in words. Art was a wonderfully simple man with a huge heart, who influenced his children and grandchildren with his strong work ethic, to value and honorall people always. By example of him finding happiness, even in the smallest of ways and the toughest of times, encouraged his family to do the same. Art's greatest pride and joy in life was his family. He is greatly missed, but is now enjoying his life with the Lord, as our angel in heaven. His family includes his wife, Mary; children, Helen "Sue" Beaton (Joe) of Las Vegas, NV, Marcia "Kay" Maxa of Colorado Springs, CO, Daniel Gorsh (Linda) of Oxford, IA, Verna "Ann" Schulte (partner Dick White) of Coralville, IA, Sandra "Sandy" Nissley (John) of Iowa City, John Gorsh (Dixie) of Oxford, IA and Cindy Downes (Dave) of North Liberty, IA; sister, Edna Heck (Arnold) of Cedar Rapids, IA; as well as 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Art was preceded in death by his parents, Helen, 2 brothers, 6 sisters, 2 grandsons, and 1 great-grandchild.