Stella M. (Ventline) Gorkowski, age 82, passed away peacefully at Meadow Lane Assisted Living under the care of hospice on Thursday, December 23, 2021.

She was born September 5, 1939 in Port Austin, Michigan to the late George and Tillie (Fisher) Ventline. Stella and Robert Gorkowski were united in marriage on October 25, 1958 at St. Mary's Catholic Church by Fr. Henry S. Podsaid. They were married 53 years before he preceded her in death.

Stella attended Peyok Grade School and graduated from Kinde High School. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality, where she served as treasurer for multiple terms. For many years, Stella donated her time cooking for festivals, funerals, breakfasts, and other special events at the church.

In the first half of their marriage, Stella worked side by side with her husband on the farm working the fields and milking cows. She then worked at the Huron Medical Care Facility for 23 years as a cook preparing meals for staff and patients. In her later years, she enjoyed attending Kinde Senior Citizen Club meetings, baking, gardening, and putting together puzzles. She loved to crochet and made multiple afghans for her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed spending time with grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and extended family. Raising her geese was one of her favorite hobbies.

Stella is survived by her six children: Debra (Darryl) Engel of St. Charles, IL; Frank (Linda) Gorkowski of Filion, MI; Cynthia (Michael) Miller of Eagan, MN; James (Jackie) Gorkowski of Hudson, FL; John (Mary) Gorkowski of Filion, MI; and Susan Attwell of Marquette, MI; 22 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Virginia Dropiewski of Ubly and Helen (Ralph) Rifenbark of Bad Axe; one brother Clarence Ventline of Donaldson, IN; and two sisters-in-law, Delphine McEachin and Christine Rutkowski, both of Ubly.

She was preceded in death by granddaughter: Laura Miller, great-grandson: Zaiden Perez, brother: Joe (Sandy) Ventline, infant brothers:  Martin, George and James Ventline; and other in-laws: Joyce Ventline, Pete (Jean) Gorkowski, Eugene (Aggie) Gorkowski, Irene (Alger) Ignash, James McEachin, Clarence Rutkowski, and Bernadette (Jay) Young.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the wonderful care she had at Meadow Lane Assisted Living, and especially for Carol, Elizabeth, Shirley and the other staff members in the memory care unit, as well as a special thank you to Vicky with A Change of Seasons Hospice.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dwight Township with Fr. Craig Carolan officiating.  Burial will follow at the church cemetery.  Visitation will be at the church from 9 a.m. until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or A Change of Seasons Hospice.

Condolences can be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com