Catherine A. Goche

Catherine A. Goche, lovingly known as Cathy, has gone to her place of rest after 84 years of a long and fulfilled life. December 21, 2025, was not only a Sunday, but the Winter Solstice when "heaven is as close as it can get" during the whole year. Our hearts hurt less knowing our devout Catholic mother was pleased to have gotten her heavenly reward on such a day.

Cathy was born on November 8, 1941, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, to Roy and Eileen Higley. She embarked on her earthly journey with a spirit brightened by the love of family and community. During childhood, Cathy and her brother Patrick, were raised by their Uncle Vince and Grandmother Anna after losing their parents at a young age.

In her youth, Cathy graduated from high school in her beloved hometown of Emmetsburg, where her roots took hold and her character flourished. Catherine graduated from Mount Marty University with a Bachelors in Sociology. She proudly utilized her degree to work with women and children of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Later, she married her cherished husband, Bruce W. Goche, who was "delivered on her doorstep" by her cousin Mike. She and Bruce shared a profound bond and a family that became her greatest legacy with their five adored children. A dedicated homemaker, Cathy was the essence of nurturing and devotion, embodying the ideal definition of a loving mother and wife throughout her life. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and a deep sense of love that enveloped their children, grandchildren, family and friends alike.

Cathy and Bruce loved bowling, giving each other a hard time, and an occasional date to Jess and Jim's Steak House for their anniversary. If you need a reference, Cathy always had a notebook with any needed information and a tissue to spare.

Despite facing numerous health challenges over the years, Cathy's resilience shone through as she embraced life with grace through everything. Her courage and strength were an inspiration to all who knew her. The nurturing spirit she instilled in her family will forever echo in their hearts and lives... "Oh, kids."

She will be deeply missed by her loving family: her sons Steve Goche and Bill Goche (Amy), her daughters Anne Symanski (Adam), Mary Mynatt (Matt), and Kristen Goche (Jen). Grandchildren: Maura and Sloane Symanski, Claire and Jillian Goche, and Wesley Mynatt. Each of whom carry forward her legacy with pride and gratitude for the nurturing and support she provided throughout their lives. She joins her beloved husband, Bruce, her parents, Roy and Eileen, her Uncle Vince, Grandmother Anna, and dear brother Patrick in eternal rest.

All services will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 701 E. Meyer Blvd, Kansas City, MO, on Monday, January 5, 2026. A Visitation to celebrate Cathy’s life will start at 10:30 AM, with the Rosary prayed at 11:30 AM, and a Mass of Christian Burial in her honor will take place at 12pm. The interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri, at 1:30 PM.

Cathy's spirit will continue to illuminate the paths of those she loved, her memory forever cherished in the hearts of her family and friends. Her legacy will be carried forth through the love instilled in her children, grandchildren, and other family and friends, reminding us all of the power of compassion and unwavering support that she so generously shared during her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, PO Box 414378 WS#186, Kansas City, MO 64141.