Robert Gormley

Robert James Gormley, 91, of Backus, passed away July 1, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Brainerd, MN.

Robert was born July 27, 1932, to Lawrence and Susan (Zaske) Gormley, in Sioux City, Iowa. He grew up in Minneapolis, MN, attending Basilica Grade School and DeLaSalle High School, graduating in 1951. He played professional baseball as a pitcher in the New York Giants Farm System. Robert served in the U.S. Army in Korea as a sergeant from November 1952 to September 1954. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science and Education degree in 1958. He was a physical education and history teacher and coach in Arlington, MN, for 12years and was the principal of Holy Trinity High School in Winsted, MN, from 1971-1977. There were various other pursuits of his; Training and Communications Coordinator, Insurance and Real Estate Sales, owner of The Boulevard Motel and Restaurant in Minneapolis, and the Twin Birch Motel in Baxter. He even spent time as a gandy dancer for the railroad in his youth. He retired in 1994 in Backus, MN, on land once owned by his grandparents. It is there that he built “Starwood”, a cordwood home and workshop, where he honed his skills as a woodworker.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sheryl; two sons, Timothy and Thomas; daughter, Brigid; step-daughter, Rosalie; brother, Joe; two granddaughters, two grandsons, 1 great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. His daughter, Molly, preceded him in death, as did his brother, Dick, and two sisters, Mary and Kathleen.

A celebration of his life will take place on his 92nd birthday, Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Brenny/Kline Funeral Home in Pine River from 10 AM - 1 PM, with military honors and a time of sharing at 11 AM.