Katherine Elise "Kate" Gogela

September 8, 1983 - November 7, 2025

Katherine "Kate" Elise Gogela, 42, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away suddenly on November 7, 2025.

Born on September 8, 1983, in Lincoln, Kate was the beloved daughter of Michael and Patricia Germer, and devoted sister to Brianna and Nathan Germer. She was the cherished wife of Steven Gogela and the proud, adoring mother of Henry (11), Maxwell (8), Julia (6), and Jacob (4).

Kate was a gifted physician whose compassion and intellect touched countless lives. A pediatrician by training, she more recently dedicated her career to newborn care and breastfeeding medicine. In 2019, she made the selfless decision to step away from her medical practice to focus on her growing family - a reflection of the love, humility, and devotion that defined her life.

An avid runner, lifelong learner, and true friend to all, Kate had an extraordinary gift for bringing light and warmth into every room she entered. She approached life with joy, curiosity, and deep empathy. She accepted everyone as they were, always seeing the best in people and helping them see it, too. Her friendships - spanning every stage of her life - were among her greatest treasures.

Kate will be remembered as a brilliant mind, a generous spirit, and above all, a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Every person who knew Kate, loved Kate. Her kindness and positivity left an imprint that will never fade.

A private service for family was held on Friday, November 14th

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dimensions Education Center, Friendship Home (for victims of domestic violence), BraveBe Child Advocacy Center, or Cedars in Lincoln - causes close to Kate's heart.

Condolences online at www.bmlfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lincoln Journal Star from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Katherine Gogela

Sponsored by Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home - Lincoln.

13 Entries

Shelley Carver and family

November 20, 2025

My deepest condolences. May you find comfort in the love and support of those around you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ashley Jones Ault

November 14, 2025

Dr. Kate Gogela was simply amazing! She was our pediatrician from the day my son was born. She came the day he was born and I met her for the first time. She was kind, loving, and gentle! She eased all my fears and comforted me when I needed. She left to have her 4th baby and focus on her family! We were so sad to lose her then. My heart absolutely breaks for her husband, her babies, her patients, and her family. This is a terrible tragedy and a loss for Lincoln as she was an absolutely amazing woman all around. Rest in paradise sweet sweet Kate!!! You will always be remembered!

DelAnn Divis

November 14, 2025

Our deepest sympathy . Bernie and Del Ann Divis

Connie L Whyrick

November 14, 2025

My sincere sympathy to your family. May God wrap you in his arms and lift you up at this difficult time.

Bernie and Charlene Smith

November 14, 2025

Dr. Michael Germer and Family,
You have our deepest sympathy. We were blessed to have you as our pediatrician as we raised our two children. While we did not know Kate or her husband and children we wanted you to know how sorry we are for your loss.
May God give you all strength during this very difficult time and may your many memories of Kate give you comfort and hope.

Dr. And Mrs. Joe Erwin

November 13, 2025

Our deepest condolences for the loss of such an amazing woman. She left a legacy of love which will live on for generations. Praying God gives you all the grace to persevere through this tragedy. Our memorial to BraveBe is a visible sign of our prayers.
Dr.and Mrs. Joe Erwin, York, NE

Pamela Trehearn

November 13, 2025

Dr Germer & family ~
I have no words but pray for you to find comfort now & forever. You were a huge part of helping us raising our kids that we are so very grateful & can only offer prayers for strength at this time & hope for Kate´s family. Blessings to you, your wife & son.

BRIAN FOSTER

November 12, 2025

Steven and children we are devastated to hear this news, my wife & I are deeply saddened by the loss of your wife and mommy. There are no words to ease this pain and void left from this tradgedy, you are in our hearts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Brian & Ronda Foster

Adcock family

November 12, 2025

Dear Dr. Germer
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your daughter. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and her precious family.

Andrea and Stefan

November 12, 2025

Pat, Nate, Mike and Steve and your children:

We are still unbelievable shocked and devastated! Our thoughts and wishes are always with you. What a fate!

Sherry Sharpnack

November 12, 2025

I am so very sorry for the loss of your daughter, mother, wife. May your memories become a blessing.

Skip & Irvene Collicott

November 12, 2025

MY wife & I are deeply saddened by the loss of your wife and daughter-in-law of Louie and Kathy

Stephanee Evers

November 12, 2025

Mike and Pat-

I am devastated to hear this news. To have to grieve the loss of not one but two daughters lost in such a tragic and unexpected way is unthinkable. You are amazingly strong and I hope that your faith and family will help you through this impossibly difficult time. To Kate´s husband and children- I didn´t know you or Kate personally but she sounds like the most extraordinary person. There is nothing to say to ease this pain and void that is now part of your lives but our thoughts and prayers are with you all

Stephanee Evers

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results