Louis John Gorenc

GORENC, Louis John. Age 74 November 6, 2022. Louie was the beloved husband of 19 years to Deborah, dear brother of Mary (John) Borzym, and uncle of Elizabeth and Alexander. Born to Louis and Mary (Renko) Gorenc, both first generation Slovenian Americans, his heritage was a lifelong influence, and he was blessed to return to the country and cities of his grandparents’ birth during several visits overseas. Born and raised in Dearborn, Lou was a graduate of Fordson High School’s Class of 1966, and took pride in being a Tractor alum. Louie worked first as a mechanic for the City, and later for Ford Motors at the Rouge Plant. Moving to Arizona during the late-70s recession, he repaired large vehicles for the Salt River project, living for fourteen years in the home he built in Apache Junction, and growing to love the southwest desert’s flora and fauna. When he returned to Michigan in the mid-nineties, he built his home in Westland, using unique materials that piqued interest and resulted in an article in an architectural construction publication. He took the opportunity to earn a BA in Criminal Justice, and delved into post-grad classes in Political Science. His interest in the law and politics remained acute, from his teen days going door-to-door for JFK, to running twice for magistrate in Apache Junction. Drafted into the Army during the Vietnam conflict, he served his country honorably, as well as spending his last two decades before retirement working as a civilian in logistics for the Army at Tacom, in Warren. Louie’s distinguishing characteristic was his heads down, plunge forward work ethic. No project intimidated him, whether it was building the homes he lived in, or tearing his 1976 F-250 down to the chassis and rebuilding it, or replacing acres of evergreens with oaks and chestnuts, or writing articles for the two dozen magazines that published his submissions on mechanical issues, Army vehicles, and the history of Dearborn, the Rouge River, and Slovenia. He was a true Renaissance man. Coming from a small nuclear family made adjustment to Deb’s large, close extended tribe a challenge, but his genuine admiration and affection for them all grew over time, and he had a particularly special relationship with step-grandson, Anthony. With the purchase of 60 magical acres in Presque Isle County, Louie had the opportunity to share his love of the land and his expertise in mechanics and construction with the youngster, and the bonds were solidified. It was in Ocqueoc that Louie built his final dwelling, though he was only able to spend one night in the newly completed cabbinage. Visitation is Monday, November 14th, 2022, from 1 to 4, at the O’Brien-Sullivan Funeral Home at 41555 Grand River Avenue, in Novi, Michigan (248-348-1800), with the Memorial Service at 4 p.m., Reverend Tim Halboth officiating. Interment will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

Louis John Gorenc

September 10, 1948 - November 6, 2022