PLEASE NOTE THE DIRECTIONS TO SHAMROCK HEIGHTS GOLF & SUPPER CLUB

In his honor, and per Randy's request, a celebration of Randy's life will be held on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, from 1:30pm - 5:00pm at Shamrock Heights Golf & Supper Club (N5525 Old Hwy 45 New London, Wisconsin 54961)

"When are you coming to get me?"

That's a question his immediate family heard often over the last several weeks. And, as it turns out, with heavy hearts—and more than a few stories ready to be retold—we announce the passing of Randy (Randall) Gene Gorges, might even be better known as "Poverty Flats," of New London, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as his soul enters eternal life, where "Poverty Flats" hopefully doesn't apply.

Randy was a devoted (and unapologetically opinionated) husband, father, grandpa, brother, cousin, and friend. He never lacked an opinion, rarely admitted he was wrong, and somehow still managed to be the guy everyone called when they needed help—whether that meant fixing something, moving something, or just being told how it should have been done.

Randy was born on January 31, 1956, in New London, Wisconsin, to Delores Schroeder Gorges and Gerald Gorges. He attended New London High School, where he met his wife, Mary (Shostak), a woman who would go on to spend the next 50 years loving him, supporting him, and, at times, very skillfully tolerating him. She was the steady heart of his life, standing by him through everything (including his decline since this past December) and caring for him with strength, patience, and unwavering love. Together, they built a life and a family, including two daughters, who meant everything to him, even though his tough exterior would never show it.

At 18 years old, on April 1, 1976, Randy started working at Miller Electric where, as he often reminded people, "they hired a fool." He worked there for 42 years… or 46… or 48… depending on when you asked him (and how the story felt that day), mostly as a welder, but he did do many other jobs. In his younger years, he also helped out at his mom's bar in Fremont and worked on neighbors' farms in Dale and in New London, a job he would confidently claim he still held, even when it was clearly no longer true. During the snowstorm in March, not only did Randy think he needed to get on the tractor to plow snow, but he had to go to the farm to milk cows.

Randy loved sports: playing them, watching them, and definitely critiquing them. In his younger days, you could find him on the softball field or in the bowling alley, where competition was serious and the stories got better with every retelling (and every PBR). Later in life, he spent his time watching dirt track racing and trap shooting—hobbies that, despite his constant claims of living in "Poverty Flats," somehow required a steady investment. His daughters perfected the art of the eye roll in response.

But those hobbies weren't just pastimes, they were where Randy built some of the strongest friendships of his life. Whether it was at the ball field, the lanes, the track, or the trap club, those relationships were filled with laughter, loyalty, and plenty of "discussions" where Randy was, of course, always right.

Randy also had a second full-time job: shopping. Not casual shopping—strategic, mission-driven, deal-hunting shopping. If there was a bargain within 50 miles, or if that included getting it for his daughters or grandchildren, Randy had already found it, priced it, and probably bought two of 'em. And if something cost too much? Well… "Poverty Flats" never really applied.

No matter how stubborn or crabby Randy was, his greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. When they were around, everything changed. The stubbornness softened (by a lot), the wallet opened (a lot), and suddenly "Poverty Flats" became a misnomer. Cookies from Simple Simon and donuts from Manderfield's weren't optional, they were tradition. Add in a little spending money, and it's safe to say Grandpa was their favorite for this good reason.

Even in his final days, that love never faded. Though his body was failing him, he kept trying to connect with them in every way he could. One grandchild said it best while saying goodbye: "Love you, Grandpa. Thank you for all the cookies and money. I'm going to miss you—and the cookies."

Randy leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, strong opinions, unforgettable one-liners, and several phrases that will live on forever:

● Poverty Flats

● Randy's Bar: Drink at Your Own Risk

● It's Cheaper on College Ave

● Strange piece of A** is my wife

● If you don't like how I dress, tough s***

● None of your f****** business

Randy is survived by his wife, Mary, of New London; his daughters, Tiffany Bauman (Jacob) of Hortonville and Jessica Schleicher (Chad) of New London; and his grandchildren, Cayden, Finley, and Easton—who will forever measure love in cookies, donuts, and a little extra cash.

He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Kreutzman (Dan); his brother, Marty Gorges (Shelly); step-siblings Rick Scott (Janee), Renee Alvarez (Art), and Randy Scott (Becky); sister-in-law Paula Shostak, brother-in-laws Bruce Shostak (Barb), Jim Shostak (Jodi), John Shostak, and Mike Shostak (Belinda); and his godchildren, Greta Scharp (Dan), Jody Gorges (Sheri), Latham Linestedt (Anna), and Jacob Wege (Stephanie).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delores Scott and Gerald Gorges, and his brother, Larry Gorges.

In his honor, and per Randy's request, a celebration of Randy's life will be held on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, from 1:30pm - 5:00pm at Shamrock Heights Golf & Supper Club (N5525 Old Hwy 45 New London, Wisconsin 54961). The family invites all who knew him to come and share favorite memories and stories to celebrate Randy.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Home Instead (who helped Mary care for Randy in their home); Moments Hospice (who helped Mary care for Randy in their home and until end of life), and Silver Stone Memory Care (who cared for Randy in his final couple of weeks of life).