Kerry Katherine Gotschall
1983-2017
Kerry Katherine Gotschall, 34, opera singer and music educator, passed away in her sleep on December 22, 2017 at her home in Bronx, NY.
She loved performing and teaching music, playing and watching sports (especially the Houston Astros), and inspired all that knew her by her positive outlook on life. She grew up in Houston, TX, went to school at Klein Oak High School in Spring, TX, was a German exchange student in Padderborn, received a Bachelor of Music degree from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Kansas. She moved to the Bronx in 2009 and began teaching music at The Stanwich School alongside her brother Kreg and his fiancée Caroline Worra, where together they enjoyed creating concerts and musical performances as a team. Kerry also taught many voice and piano students privately in the Greenwich area while maintaining a professional performing schedule with Connecticut Lyric Opera, Bronx Opera, Greve Music Festival in Chianti, Italy, Opera Dell'Arte, Seagle Music Festival, and Lyric Opera Kansas City. She was a church soloist at Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, St. Gabriel's Catholic Church in Stamford, and Holy Rosary Church in Bronx, NY. Despite her busy performing and teaching schedule, she always made time to play weekly in her Big Volleyball league in NYC and trained for and was a representative Stanwich team member at the Spartan Race this past fall earning a well-deserved medal for her participation. Her shocking and untimely passing has been agonized by family and friends across the country but her positive spirit will remain forever.
She is survived by her parents Katherine and Dave Gotschall of Houston, TX; her brother Kreg Gotschall and his fiancée Caroline Worra of Stamford; her sister Kelly Lannin, her husband Rusty, and their children Mary Jane and Russell of Magnolia, TX; her sister Kristin Gutzke, her husband Tim, and their children Austin, Becky, and Victoria of Livingston, TX; many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins, and her boyfriend Rolf Eberlein.
A memorial service celebrating Kerry's life will be held at Second Congregational Church on Saturday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. For those interested in sending condolences or donating monetary gifts, checks may be sent to the church at 139 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830. Checks made out to "Second Congregational Church" with "Kerry Gotschall Memorial Fund" written in the notation will be collected and given directly to the family.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Jan. 7, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Kerry Gotschall

9 Entries

Dennis and Judy Boyter

January 12, 2018

Dear Gotschall Family,

Reflecting over the unimaginable news of Kerry's death leaves both Judy and myself with heavy hearts. There is no plausible explanation for the loss of one so young, vibrant and precocious.

I have been reminiscing about Kerry's time as a member of the Klein Oak Choir. For the life of me, I cannot recall a single negative experience - an unusual comment when you are around someone for four years. Her infectious smile, always positive view and engaging personalty was one of the few constants in our organization.

Perhaps my best memory is when Kerry was rehearsing with the All-State Choir at the Texas Music Educators Convention in San Antonio. As I recall, she was the in the center, near the back of the two hundred plus students that comprised arguably the finest assembly of high school singers in the country. The conductor was the renowned and highly respected Dr. Kenneth Fulton, choral director from Louisiana State University. Ken asked me after a rehearsal about the always smiling student that seemed to stand out among the mass of singers. I told him about Kerry Gotschall, and a new relationship was born. Even among a mass of singers, Kerry stood out.

Kerry was audacious, gregarious, and aggressive. The uniqueness was her ability to use those traits in a manner that created respect from her peers and instructors. After graduation from Klein Oak, I largely lost contact with Kerry, only receiving occasional reports from Judy via Facebook. Those reports provided ample evidence that she was leading a rewarding life filled with opportunities and great friendships. Though her years were far too few, she had a very positive impact on those around her. Her life will continue from those relationships.

We will be thinking of the family during these near impossible times.

Dennis and Judy Boyter

January 10, 2018

Please accept my heartfelt condolences to the Gotschall family and friends for the passing of your dear loved one. Losing a loved one in death is never easy. One day many will have the opportunity to live again. May the hope of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time (John 17:3). When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure in your heart and it lives forever. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace.

Jan Domenico

January 8, 2018

My heartfelt condolences to the Gotschall family over Kerry's untimely passing. She will forever be to me that engaging young girl in Encore who always sang her heart out during those years.

Kathy Clark

January 8, 2018

We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort for your family.

Steve & Kathy Clark

Patrice

January 8, 2018

May the God of peace comfort you during this most difficult time and the days ahead. So sorry for your loss. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

January 7, 2018

What a beautiful and talented young lady taken too soon. She will be forever playing a harp as an angel in heaven. My condolences from another grieving Mom.

Dr. Richard Sass

January 7, 2018

To the Family, with sympathy...

Zack Family

January 7, 2018

Dear Kreg, Caroline and family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your sweet Kerry.

HTX

January 7, 2018

My condolences to the family. May the assurance at Psalms 29:11 bring you comfort at this difficult time.

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