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1925
2017
Pauline Kathryn Gorger, affectionately known as PKG, passed gently into the arms of the Jesus she loved on Monday, June 12, 2017.
Pauline was born Dec. 8, 1925 in her family home in Portland. She was named after the dojavascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$ContentPlaceHolder1$btnSave','')ctor who delivered her, Paul Baker, and his wife Kathryn. As a young girl Pauline was an accomplished dancer and her mother made all of her many dance costumes. After high school she was working as a restaurant cashier when her longtime friend, Rosemary suggested she apply at Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co. as a long distance operator. Thirty-five years later she retired from the company as a Traffic Engineer.
Rosemary also introduced Pauline to the Catholic Church, and they attended together before leaving for ski lessons on Sundays. (They took the lessons because they had found and bought cute ski outfits!) Later after meeting Bill Gorger she decided to convert to the Catholic Church. She saw her faith as a gift from God for which she was grateful and she sought to serve Him in her life.
Pauline met Bill Gorger in Pendleton and they were married in 1949 in Oceanside, CA where he was stationed. They had a son, Steven Henry Gorger who was Pauline's greatest joy. Her greatest sorrow was losing him 43 years later on Nov. 24, 1993.
Out of her love for Steve, Pauline worked tirelessly to give his twin daughters Samantha Pauline and Nicole Frances (who were five months old when their father died) a remembrance of their father. She gathered photos and took writing classes so she could better portray Steve's life and his Lindahl-Gorger roots. With friends and family helping she met her goal.
Word games, especially crossword puzzles were a favorite pastime. She enjoyed attending plays, reading and gardening. She was a great listener, enjoyed jokes and always turned to the comics page first-something her father taught her.
Pauline loved to travel with friends and family to far places including Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal. She planned and made two trips that took her nearly around the United States, visiting friends and family at each stop.
Family reunions and meals with friends were a top priority. She enjoyed planning and cooking meals, and entertaining people in her home. She would often try new dishes on her guests because if they were good she was a success, and if they weren't, she didn't have to eat alone!
A memorable event occurred when she was contacted by the five children of her sister and brother-in-law Rose and Dave Baker (who had both passed away). They asked if she would be willing to be their "Auntie Mom" and let them adopt her. She was showered with love and visits from her new family; and she happily reciprocated.
Pauline loved her home on Haight Street and enjoyed decorating and remodeling projects through the years. She remained there until her 80th birthday then moved to Calaroga Terrace where she made many new friends and served on several committees including the library board.
She was active at Holy Redeemer for many years and was a member of the Alter Society. She also devoted time volunteering with the "No One Dies Alone" Ministry.
Pauline was dearly loved as a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and loyal friend. She was preceeded in death by her son Steven, brothers Kenneth Lindahl (Marge), and Leonard Lindahl (Sally). She is survived by her brother Ernest "Buzz" Lindahl (Judy), granddaughters Samantha and Nicole, many nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.
A funeral mass will take place at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 25 N. Rosa Parks Way, Portland, OR, on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, at 10am. A rosary will be held at 930am prior to the funeral mass.
Pauline will be privately laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens of Portland, OR
Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you.
Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR. (503) 292-6611
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home - Portland.
June 23, 2017
Don Gorger
Pauline was a lovely person of devout faith. She often gave me and my sister, Leola, great weekends away from our respective college campuses back in the day. She was so enjoyable to just be around. Through her phone company employment, Pauline also enabled me become the first student at University of Portland to obtain a private phone line in my room. I will always remember the great dinners with her and Steve at her home and at restaurants. Great times! Rest in His Peace, Lovely Lady.
June 23, 2017
Pacific View Telephone Pioneers
The pacific View Telephone Pioneers wish to express our sympathy in your loss of Pauline. She will be missed.
June 19, 2017
Cecelia (Tela) Gough
Rest in peace, lovely lady. You will surely be missed.
June 19, 2017
Nancy Holdorf
Pauline and I worked together at Holy Redeemer for several years and we became close friends. We had many good times together and she will be greatly missed. I'll remember her in prayer.
June 18, 2017
Elia Whitehead
Ms. Pauline, Our family is Blessed to know You and Your Family! Thank you so much for the True Love you have given over the years. May God the Father give you Ms. Pauline Eternal Peace! God Bless You!
Sam and Elia Whitehead And Family
June 18, 2017
Julie Howe
Pauline was the sweetest person, so devout and full of faith. My parents, Jim and Jan Zimmer enjoyed her visits to the house so much. Thanks to Pauline for all she did for Holy Redeemer Church.
June 17, 2017
Tom Markgraf
Pauline was a compete sweetheart. She was kind to us and told us great life lessons. Thank you Pauline.
June 16, 2017
Diane Gilbert
Pauline was a wonderful person and a great neighbor to my parents and us girls. I feel lucky to have known her all these years.
June 16, 2017
Debbie (Gilbert) Shipman
Many fond memories of Pauline as she was our dear family friend and next door neighbor growing up in North Portland. She will be missed.
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Funeral services provided by:
Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home - Portland4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97229
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