Wayne Franklin Gorell, 90

Wayne Franklin Gorell, of Stevens Point, died May 11, 2025, at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital. He was 90.

Gorell was born Jan. 4, 1935, in Eau Claire, the son of the late Frank C. and Elaine B. (née Paape) Gorell. He graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School in 1953.

Following high school, Gorell enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1954 to 1956. He was stationed in Germany in the heavy motor company and was selected as Colonel’s Orderly 22 times.

He enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1957 and graduated in 1961 with a major in physical education and a minor in speech. He later earned a master’s degree in physical education, with a minor in administration, from the University of Colorado-Boulder in 1965.

Gorell began his education career at the Chetek School District as the K-8 curriculum coordinator for physical education. He also served as head football coach, track coach, and assistant basketball coach at the high school. After earning his master’s degree, he taught physical education and coached football and baseball at UW-La Crosse. In 1966, he joined UW-Stevens Point as a physical education and administration instructor, serving as head wrestling coach and assistant coach for football and track. He was voted Teacher of the Year three years in a row and advised physical education majors until his retirement in 1995.

Gorell’s personal life also centered around sports. He played fastpitch softball, hunted and fished, enjoyed woodworking and traveling, and officiated high school wrestling, volleyball, and football for 25 years. He was selected to officiate numerous state playoff games.

In 1961, he married Shirley M. (née Easterson) Gorell in Eau Claire. They had three children: Sheri, Kyle, and Kim. He later became a devoted grandfather to five grandchildren.

Survivors include his children, Sheri (Dan) Dobratz, Kyle (Renee) Gorell, and Kim Bolender; his grandchildren, Taylor (Cody) Palm, Rachel (Ellis) Johnson, Morgan (Jesse Paisley) Dobratz, Madison Schell, and Noah Gorell; and his sister and brother-in-law, Charleen and Harvey Hams of Eau Claire.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, and his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary donations be made to establish a scholarship at UWSP for students majoring in physical education.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1410 Rogers St., Stevens Point. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.