Obituary
Marty John Gora
Marty Gora, 85, died on August 11, 2026, after living a long fulfilling life. Marty was born on August 13, 1940, in La Crosse, WI to Harry and Magdelen (Seracki) Gora.
He was raised in La Crosse along with his 4 sisters and 2 brothers and graduated from Logan High School. Following high school Marty served in the US Navy, where he was stationed mostly in the Philippines and, as he likes to tell people, never on a ship. Following his military service he returned to La Crosse where he met and married his first wife, Dianne. They had 2 children. He and Dianne later divorced. Marty married his second wife, Fay in 1985. Marty and Fay were happily married and had adventures together for 31 years until Fays death in 2017. Marty worked most of his career for the US Postal service where he retired as postmaster of Onalaska, Wi in 1997.
He enjoyed a long retirement of golf, travel with his fun-loving wife, card playing, joke telling, and spending time with his friends and family. Marty had an incredible talent of telling jokes and stories and bringing smiles to many. He was known by many as a funny, tough guy with a strong grip who would happily take your money in cards or “skins” in golf. What many people don’t know about him is what a loving caregiver he was to his wife, Fay when she was ill and what a soft side he had and kept mostly hidden. He loved his children and grandchild and was truly an incredible father/grandfather to them and father-in-law to Duane. He was a generous soul who always encouraged us to go and do the things we loved.
Marty is survived by his children, Sheryl (Duane) Bollom, Onalaska WI, Jeff Gora, Colorado Springs, Co, granddaughter Mackenzie Otterson, brother, Jerry (Sue) Gora, good friend Cathi Baus and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Fay, his parents, four sisters: Frances, Margaret, Olivia and Patricia, and brother, Harry.
Services and celebration of life will be held on October 8th, 2026, at Cedar Creek Country Club from 2-5 PM with services at 2 followed by celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to North Presbyterian Church in La Crosse. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
Sheryl and Jeff and family, I am so very sorry to read about Marty’s passing. I always remember him with fondness. He was a fun loving, kind man.
My deepest sympathies to you all.