Anna Mae Gorz

Anna M. Gorz, 91, of Rhinelander, passed away February 10, 2026, at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital.

Anna was born in a log cabin in Sugar Camp to Olen and Nettie Bailey on September 19, 1934. She graduated from Rhinelander High School — Class of 1952.

She married Dr. Louis J. Gorz in Rhinelander and was a member of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church and former member and secretary of Zion’s Ladies Guild. She was a life member and 2-term president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association Auxiliary. Anna was selected as WOA Auxiliary Member of the Year in 1974. While in Washington attending meetings, she was invited to a tea with First Lady Pat Nixon at The White House. Anna was a member of the Wisconsin Women’s Highway Safety Leader’s Council and received their safety award in 1976 in Chicago.

Anna served on the Rhinelander Election Board for many years, and the RHS Class of 1952 Reunion Committee as chairman for many years. She was office manager in her husband’s optometric office until they both retired. Anna was a very talented woman and an extraordinary mom, and we will miss her dearly. We were lucky to have her as long as we did.

Anna is survived by daughter Mary E. (Dr. John) Santarius of Madison, sons Mark W. Gorz and Louis J. Gorz III, both of Rhinelander. Four grandchildren — Megan (Griffin) Schnitzler of Prairie Village, Kan., Erik Santarius of Madison, Trevor (Kristen) Santarius of Milwaukee, and Kate (Luke) Southard of Verona. Five great-grandchildren, Victor, Violet and Sylvia Rose Schnitzler, Emery and Elora Southard.

Anna is also survived by sisters Evelyn Peter and Sally Bailey both of Rhinelander, Barbara Lloyd of Westminster, Colo., and brothers — chief petty officer Arthur Bailey of Sonora, Calif. and lt. col. Roger (Saundra) Bailey of New Lisbon. Six godchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, Betty Jensen and brother, John E. Bailey, mother-in-law and father-in-law, 12 brothers-in-law and nine sisters-in-law.

Private family services will be held.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.