Colleen Marie Gore, age 61, passed away surrounded by her family on January 11, 2026. Born on July 19, 1964, Colleen grew up in Wind Lake, Wisconsin, before moving to Greendale as a teenager. Though she lived in other places along the way, she returned to Greendale to raise her own family where she deeply cherished the local community.
A loyal employee with a natural talent for numbers, Colleen enjoyed a successful career in accounting. She began as an apprentice at The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and continued her professional journey at Everything's a Dollar, Internet Connect, Velocity Partners, and Hales Corners Lutheran Church, before concluding her professional career at Biltrite Furniture. She was known not only for her strong work ethic, but also for building lasting connections with those she worked alongside.
Music was a central part of Colleen’s life. She loved attending concerts and was a constant presence at her husband Ken’s musical performances. Whether dancing or sharing a shot of tequila, she was truly the life of the party. Her favorite place to be was the family's "Up North” cottage, where she enjoyed swimming, boating, spending time with dear friends, and walleye dinners at the Maiden Lake Supper Club.
Her life was deeply rooted in her faith as a longtime, active member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Colleen’s kindness and generous spirt reflected her deep devotion to Christ, guiding her through every season of life. She was also a devoted animal lover who showed care and compassion to every creature she met, and she is now reunited with her beloved pets, especially Chi-chi, Lenny, Corey, Raven, Rex, Dakota, Norman, and Kaycee.
Colleen is survived by her husband, Ken Gore; her daughters, Erica (Alex) Nitsche and Nicole (Andrew) Jens; her grandson, Cooper Nitsche; her brother, Brian Goff; and her dogs, Zoey and Sami. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bonnie and Kenneth Goff; her brother, Andrew Goff; her parents-in-law, Clarence and Maryann Gore; her grandparents, Julia and Milton McCann and Kitty Goff; along with many aunts, uncles, and dear friends.
Colleen was a best friend to all, leaving behind countless people who loved her deeply for the unique and lasting connections she shared with each of them.
A time of remembrance will be held on March 21, 2026, at Clifford’s Supper Club, 10418 W. Forest Home Avenue, Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 PM. All are invited to remain afterward for fellowship and to share stories celebrating Colleen's meaningful life.
Your presence is the greatest gift. For those who wish to honor Colleen’s memory, contributions to the Gore family may be made in support of the family’s beloved “Up North” cottage—a place that held countless moments of joy, love, and togetherness. Flower arrangements may be coordinated through Barb's Greenhouse in Hales Corners, or delivered directly to Clifford’s on the day of the celebration.