Wayne William Gorsuch was born on Jan. 9, 1933, to Arthur John and Edna Mabel (LeLaCheur) Gorsuch in Cherry County, Nebraska. He passed on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, in his home with the love of his life.
Wayne was the fourth of nine siblings. He attended country school through his eighth grade year. He started high school in Mullen, Nebraska, before leaving school to work for his father during the blizzard of ’49 at Mud Lake Ranch. He then worked for several years on the Big Creek Ranch before being drafted into the Army in 1953 until 1955. He served in France and Germany as a truck driver.
When Wayne returned home, he began seeing Janet McIntosh and they were married on Aug. 26, 1956, in Alliance, Nebraska. He then began working at the JL Schneider Ranch south of Whitman, Nebraska. Here they welcomed their first two boys, Marvin and Alan. Later, Janet and Wayne moved to Big Creek Ranch where Janet cooked, and Wayne cowboyed. They then moved back to Mullen to help Janet’s father with his trucking business until Wayne started work at the Coble Ranch north of Mullen. They finally found their home in 1963 at the Joe Boyer Ranch.
This is where they stayed for the next 31 years. Here they welcomed two more children, Loren and Karen.
When he had the chance, he spent time helping as a pickup man for S&J Rodeo Stock.
He was also considered the community country vet that was willing to do a late-night c-section and work on water bellies for many of the neighbors. He chased all four of his children at their high school games and rodeo.
In 1994, after 31 wonderful years in Mullen raising their children, they moved to Alliance where Wayne took a job working for Mark Buskirk on his farm. They later retired and stayed in Alliance in their home for the last 25 years of Wayne’s life.
Wayne was a cowboy through and through. He loved spending time in the saddle and even more when his family was with him. In 2015, Wayne was inducted into the Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame. Wayne was known for his ornery ways, always joking and was known to carry a trick gun that he would tell was a lighter so people would pull the trigger and then get shocked. Wayne had a heart of gold and would not hesitate to help those in need. He was his happiest when he was sitting with his wife and spending time with his family playing a game of cards. Wayne left a legacy of love and always made sure his family knew how much he cared for them.
He was preceded in death by his parents Art and Edna Gorsuch and his in-laws Melvin and Josephine McIntosh.
He was also preceded in death by seven of his siblings, Raymond, Viola, Lloyd, Dorothy, Opal, Lois and Francis.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Janet and their four children: Marvin (JoAnn) Gorsuch, Alan (Susan) Gorsuch, Loren Gorsuch (Franchone Mooney), and Karen (Travis) Petersen. Wayne has one living brother, Paul. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Dean (Bekah) Gorsuch, Michelle (Josh) Lipker, Erin Gorsuch (Dustin Wyckoff), Levi (Danny) Leonard- Gorsuch, Bailey (Topher) Throckmorton, Lauren (Kort) Gartrell, Shaley (Alex) Wamboldt and Taylor Petersen.
Wayne was blessed with 12 great-grandchildren as well.
Memorial services were held Oct. 31, 2023, at the Alliance Eagles Club.
Memorials can be sent to the Sandhills Rodeo Bible Camp or a memorial of your choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould. com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.