Clifford Gorka, Jr. 10/28/2026

Clifford John Gorka, Jr., age 76, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Regions hospital in St Paul.

Cliff was born June 28,1950 is St. Paul Minnesota to Clifford and Dolores Raitor Gorka. When he was about 13, the family moved to Cedar Lake, Wisconsin and Cliff attended Osceola schools.

From his father, he learned to love working on cars and dirt track racing became his passion.  He raced at many local dirt tracks and worked on cars with his friends including Donald Nelson.  Following in Don’s footsteps, whose car was #99, he chose #98 and son Chris would later choose #96.  He followed NASCAR racing closely. Rebuilding engines and setting up cars was a way of life in his early years.   Later his joy came from watching his grandchildren grow up.

He worked many years for B.F Nelson Folding Cartons when they were in St. Paul and later Tri-Star Engines in Baldwin.

He married Karen Soden in 1970 and had one son, Randy (wife Amy & children Kyle and Ryan). Randy also has a daughter Amanda. In 1977 he married Rachel Smith.  They had two sons, Christopher (wife Jeanna and children Ellie and Alex) and Daniel.

Cliff is survived by his wife Rachel, his children and grandchildren. He is also survived by sister, Michelle, (nephew Jared) and sister-in-law Patti Gorka (niece Danielle); half brother George (Skip) Kruger and half-sister Holly.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Nick and sister Sharon.

A memorial service for Cliff has been planned for Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11:00AM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave) New Richmond, Wisconsin with visitation starting at 10:00AM.  Interment is in New Richmond Cemetery. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at Regions Hospital ICU for their compassionate care during this trying time.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.