Josie Mae Gorell, 11, of Elk Mound, died peacefully in her mom and dad's arms, at her home, on Thursday, September 20, 2012, surrounded by family. Josie earned her angel wings after persevering an 8+ year fight with a rare brain tumor. She was born on August 20, 2001, in Eau Claire to Charles and Lori (Stewart) Gorell, and little sister to Kala. Josie enjoyed spending time cheering on her big sister, Kala, who she affectionately called "Moose". Even with everything Josie had to face, she took care of her family and friends first. She loved playing hot potato, challenging others at thumb war, making jewelry and crafts. She loved all animals, especially Riley (dog), Kutie (goat), Lady (pony), Romeo (cat), Simon (dog), and Thumper (dog). She attended school in Elk Mound. Josie and her teacher Penne enjoyed educating her classmates and other teachers about the importance of braille literacy. Josie's unique gift was celebrating life while unknowingly helping others. Words cannot express how many lives Josie touched and influenced with the brief time she was given here on Earth. Josie is survived by her parents, Chuck and Lori; sister, Kala; grandparents, Dennis and Lillian Stewart, Dianne Gorell, Joseph Gorell; great-grandma, Elaine Turner; aunts and uncles, Cindy (Scott) Ruffi, Leona (Mark) Rude, Jason Stewart, Mike (Jesse) Soul-Stewart, Lisa Stewart, Craig (Dorothy) Gorell, Crissy (Jeff) Mattson, Carol (Paul) Oldfield, Cathy Gorell; cousins, Colton and Nolan Ruffi, Christopher Kircking, Austin, Zach, and Tristan Rude, Anna and Jesse Stewart, River and Rowan Soul-Stewart, Gregory and Cody Gorell, Hunter Oldfield. She is also survived by many great-aunts, great-uncles, great-cousins, honorary aunts and uncles, and "Josie's All Stars". She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Marie and Bill Stewart, great-grandpa, Richard Turner, great-grandma, Marie Hagen; infant brother, Jacob Gorell; and her dog, Boo. A Celebration of Life will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Eau Claire Wesleyan Church, 2405 Keith St. (across from Memorial High School) with a service following at noon. Rev. David J. Stratton will officiate.

Service Information

Celebration of Life

Saturday, September 22 2012 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Eau Claire Wesleyan Church 2405 Keith Street Eau Claire WI

Service

Saturday, September 22 2012 12:00 PM

Eau Claire Wesleyan Church 2405 Keith Street Eau Claire WI