Catherine J. Goetz

Catherine Jean Goetz, 83, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, generosity, adventure, determination, and stories that will keep her family smiling for years to come.

Cathy was strong, energetic, giving, curious, and determined—a force of nature with a loving heart and a twinkle in her eye. She loved good conversation and could talk knowledgeably about nearly anything, from faith and family to food and even “food for thought.”

Her adventurous spirit started early. As a child, Cathy was forever exploring the yard, garden, and fields, prompting the familiar question, “Where is Cathy now?” Once, after a frantic search, she was discovered sound asleep beneath the swing. Another time, her mother hid a frosted cake on top of the bathroom cupboard—only to discover Cathy had climbed up after it. Obstacles rarely stood between Cathy and something she had decided to do.

That determination followed her throughout life. Cathy was a wonderful cook, baker, seamstress, gardener, and caretaker. She could create a feast seemingly from nowhere, using food from her garden, freezer, or shelves of home-canned goods. Feeding people was one of the ways Cathy loved them—with food and with kindness.

Joe, her husband of 42 years and the love of her life, was at the center of the life they built together. They shared adventures, grew several businesses—including a puzzle business—and created a beautiful lake home surrounded by gardens. Cathy was especially proud of Joe and treasured her relationship with his kids Kathy and Joe, and his grandchildren, Mason, Ellys, Alyssa and Jesse.

Above all, Cathy showed her love by showing up. She cared devotedly for her mother, father, Joe, family, and friends.

As a child, everyone wondered, “Where is Cathy now?”

Throughout the rest of her life, the answer was often simple: wherever someone needed her.

Her door was open, her table was welcoming, her hands were rarely still, and there was always that unmistakable twinkle in her eye.

Cathy is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Elsie Demi; husband, Joe; brothers-in-law, Dick Trochlil, Bill Sisterman.

Cathy will be deeply missed, forever loved, and remembered with a smile by all those who loved her, including Joe's daughter, Kathy (Kelly) Johnson and son, Joe (Cindy) Goetz; grandchildren, Mason Johnson, Ellys (Monty) Roberts, Alyssa (Tom Butler) Taylor and Jesse Wolf; great-grandchildren, Peter Taylor, Olivia Taylor, Amaris Wolf; siblings, Rose Trochlil, Carol Sisterman, Lori (Doug) Haberman, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, church friends, neighbors and beyond.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to St. Croix Hospice and Our Lady of Peace for all the love and care they provided Cathy during the time they had together.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at The Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to the mass at the church. Private interment at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Strasburg, North Dakota.