Hartford- Gregory Joseph Orzal, 57, passed away peacefully at The Kathy Hospice of West Bend on Friday, October 24, 2008 following a valiant year-long battle with a cerebral hemorrhage and brain tumor. Greg was born in Racine on November 28, 1950 to the late Sigmund and Edwina (nee: Barela) Orzal. A graduate of St. Stanislaus Grade School, he went on to graduate from St. Catherine’s High School in 1968. Following, Greg continued on to earn his engineering degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering. On March 16, 1974 in Atonement Lutheran Church, Greg was united in marriage with the love of his life, Shelley (nee: Phillips). Extremely brilliant and mechanically inclined, Greg began his career with Webster Electric. A few years later, Greg and Shelley relocated to Up-State New York where he worked for the Raymond Corp. Shortly after, they moved back to Hartford, WI -where he was employed as an engineer for over 27 years at Wacker Corp., retiring only when his health began to fail. A dedicated family-man with a profound Catholic faith, Gregory was a proud member of St. John the Evangelist Cathedral in Downtown Milwaukee. He enjoyed playing Rock-N-Roll and the Blues on his guitars and riding his 1999 Harley Ultra-Classic. Greg also liked to grow Jalapeno Peppers and Tomatoes for his homemade Salsa; was an accomplished and self-taught home repairman; and had an extensive fresh-water fish collection. Above all, Greg loved being at home in the surroundings of his family. Surviving are his loving wife of nearly 35 years, Shelley; their treasured son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Consuelo Orzal of Fox Point; a grandson; sisters, Sharon McAuliffe of Racine and Susan Chirigotis of Union Grove; Shelley’s parents, Leonard and Theodora Phillips of Crivitz; grandmother, Henrietta Welch of Racine; brothers-in-law, Brian (Diana) Phillips of Campbellsport; Dennis Phillips of West Bend; Tim (Cathy) Phillips of West Bend; and Lindsey (Trish) Phillips of San Antonio, TX; many special nieces, nephews, other relatives, co-workers and friends too numerous to mention by name. Funeral services celebrating Greg’s life will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 7:00 pm with Rev. Michael J. Hammer officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-7 pm. Private interment will take place next to his parents in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32 on Thursday. In memory of Greg, memorials may be directed to The Kathy Hospice, in recognition of the compassionate end-of-life care and support that was so graciously provided.
Tama Gluck says
My deepest sympathies to all of you. I worked with Greg at Wacker for 15+ years and always had the most respect and admiration for Greg and his intellect and work ethic. He was a great person to know and work with. May he rest peacefully now. Please know that my sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God’s blessings to you.
Tama Gluck
DEANNA SCHMITT says
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on the loss of Greg.
Connie Faber says
Shelly,
You have my Sympathies I do not know if you had heard but Norm passed away Aug 27th unexpectedly so now they are probably visiting or riding. I am glad that we stopped in to see Greg when we did I know you will miss him as much as i miss Norm.
Take Care of your self and God Bless your family.
Connie Faber
Gary Matuszewski says
My name is Gary and I worked most of my time at wacker with Greg i work in inspection as a inspector A and I do a lot of layouts for new products . Greg was a pleasure to work with. When I had a question about a new part he would come down and we would go through what I thought would be a possible problem with the part and Greg and his group would deside weather it was a problem or not but he always listened to me and came down to check it out even though im just a floor inspector. We both play music so we talked about that to some times. Ill miss working with him Gary
Leeann Naughton says
Shelley, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. I have not seen you or Greg in many years, but I have many great memories. I am sad that you have had such a struggle this past year, but I was glad to read that Greg’s faith was strong; hopefully providing you some comfort through this painful ordeal. I am sorry I will not be able to express my condolences in person but will be traveling on business. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Tony Fojut says
Shared 10 years with Greg the at Wacker Corp. I was the manufacturing engineer that wanted changes to drawings and sometimes Greg would or would not go along with them. This working closely together to improve products brought us closer together. we discussed Craftsman tool a lot. Every spring he would borrow my torque wrenches.
Lenny and Jeannie Gudex says
Dearest Shelly and family, It is with heartfelt sympathy that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our friend Zig will be in our hearts forever, never will we know such a kind and gentle friend who loved life and cherished it every day
Chris Nardo says
Hi Shelley,
I’m so sorry to hear of Greg’s passing, he will surely be missed by all. I always enjoyed talking with the two of you at Nardo’s Passport Inn. Once again, thank you very much for keeping me up to date on Greg’s situation. This is truely a sad 🙁 day.
Chris & Carol Nardo
Diane & Dennis Gudex says
Dearest Orzal Family,
We will so miss…the wonderful conversations, Greg’s incredible wit & laughs, his positive & pure spirit, riding bike on country roads to Snapper Vic’s, playing video poker all night on $5, Dennis’ beer connoisseur partner, fantastic trips to far away lands, but most of all…Greg’s wonderful warm smile and sparkling eyes. We love you all!
Brenda Spaeth & Mike Mundt says
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bill and Mary Anne Miller says
Dear Shelley and family,
First of all, we extend our sincere sympathy on the passing of Greg. I was so happy that I had the opportunity of visiting with Greg and you at Kathy Hospice on several occasions. I will always think about our experiences working together while at Wacker, which was almost eighteen years in the engineering department. I enjoyed having him as a friend.
Bill
Tammy Ulbing says
Shelly
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tammy
Gabriel Tabares says
He was my grandfather and I will miss him dearly. I only knew him for a few years, but they were some of the best years of my life.