Kathleen Anne Kotscher

Kathleen (Kathie) Kotscher, 81, of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, in Fort Myers, just weeks after the passing of her beloved husband, Gottfried. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, she was the cherished daughter of the late Wallace and Irene. Kathie was a dedicated registered nurse at the beginning of her working career. She was the head nurse of pediatrics and then went on to train other nurses at Schoitz Hospital in Waterloo. In 1974, she and Gottfried moved to Oelwein, Iowa and opened G.J. Kotscher Jewelers. Together, they built a thriving business, eventually expanding with additional locations in Decorah, IA, and Prairie du Chien, WI. Kathie’s warmth and kindness helped define the welcoming spirit of their stores, which became trusted fixtures in their communities for decades. Along with this, she dedicated many years in civil service to the Fayette County Board of Health, NIACC college board of directors, and countless other charitable endeavors. In 1999, Kathie and Gottfried closed their jewelry stores and moved to Bonita Springs to enjoy retirement. During these years, they split their time between Florida and their cozy mountain cabin in Kindberg, Austria, where they spent many happy summers from May to October. Here they welcomed many friends from home and loved showing them the beauty and fun of Austria. And during the winter months, they would welcome friends from Austria to enjoy the sunshine of Florida. Kathie loved music and she loved to sing. Many in Oelwein will remember fondly the entertaining musicals and talent shows she sang in through the years. Faith played a central role in Kathie’s life. She was a devoted member of Sacred Heart parish in Oelwein, Iowa, and beloved member of the choir. Then after moving to Florida, she joined St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, where she sang joyfully in the choir for over twenty years and made many great friends. Kathie loved to travel and shared countless journeys with her husband and many friends across the globe — including memorable cruises and visits to places like Russia, Poland, Egypt, and Croatia. Kathie is survived by her children, Christian Kotscher (Michelle) of Cumming, GA, and Heidi Gossman (Jody) of Shawnee, KS, as well as her grandchildren, Ellie Gossman, Kinsey McKnight (Brendan), Emma Gossman, Chani Kotscher, Jack Gossman, and Bernadette Kotscher. An unfailingly devoted and loving matriarch,she always had plenty of time for regular, lengthy phone calls with her children and grandchildren, securing a close and loving relationship with them all. Kathie is also survived by her siblings, Joe (Mary) of Cedar Falls, IA, and Geralyn “Gigi” of Huntington Beach, CA, along with many nieces and nephews. Her cherished friend of 51 years, Barb Darland, was able to move in and comfort her in the last five weeks of her life and will be forever the Lavern to her Shirley. Kathie was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Gottfried Kotscher, on June 30, 2025; and by her siblings Eileen, Dennis, and Gerard. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, Florida, Additionally, a memorial mass will be held at 11:00 AM, November 29, 2025 at Sacred Heart Church in Oelwein, Iowa. Gottfried and Kathie will be laid to rest together in Waterloo, Iowa. To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home in Florida and Cedar Memorial in Iowa.

Kathleen Anne Kotscher

December 5, 1943 - August 8, 2025