Moriah T Gottschalk

Moriah T "Mo" Gottschalk

9/26/92 - 2/18/25

On February 18, 2025, Mo tragically died in a paramotor accident at Salton Sea, California at the age of 32.

Born on September 26, 1992 at home in Sandwich, Illinois, Mo, from his entrance into the world, was going to be a unique adventurer.



He was homeschooled, which demonstrated from an early age his genuine ability to excel not only with education, but in his task-oriented, internal self improvement focus that carried him far. As a child in his church he thrived at Bible Quizzing, bringing home many awards and accolades. He continued his education at MMI (Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, Orlando, FL), not to become a mechanic, per his words, but because it would be useful knowledge (which was proven true). No matter the avenue, Moriah was known to transcend all expectations when he put his mind to it.

Mo had a dynamic personality, drawing in others by his demonstrative love and acceptance of one and all. His presence lit up every space in which he was and made everyone feel special, with an infectious grin that split his face. This personality developed from a young age while navigating his way in a large family, choosing to love, protect and take care of his sisters, while developing tight bonds with his brothers. The unbreakable bonds he shared with his siblings will be profoundly felt forever. He loved his parents deeply, and treated them like royalty. His life honored them in every way.

Mo loved adventure. He loved movement. From his start with bicycles to unicycles to motorcycles to paramotors and flight, if it was moving, he loved it. To his credit, Mo was not careless in these adventures, but always sought out training, gear and a focus on safety and emergency protocols.

Travel was an integral part of the 'making of Mo'. Starting with his extensive stays in rural Jamaica from infancy with his family and into adulthood, he fully embraced the lifestyle of locals. Preferring the simpler lifestyle, from going barefoot to sleeping on the ground, to eating rustically prepared food, whatever the people embraced, so did he. He walked, took public transport, sometimes motorcycles, sometimes he flew paramotors, it was all part of the adventure. Just a few of the impactful places he visited were Slovenia, Turkey, Saudia Arabia, Qatar, Italy, Spain, Mexico, India, Nepal (especially impactful was the Holi Festival) and always a favorite, Burning Man.

In his early 20's, he developed a relentless passion for flying paramotors, which advanced into being a well respected instructor in the craft, becoming partners in a paramotor business and expanding his skills to paragliding, acrobatics, competitions, and developing new maneuvers. His natural talent, work ethic, boundless energy and joy in teaching impacted students and peers alike. He is well recognized for being one of the best at his craft, becoming an integral part of the flying community.

He is known for his "only Mo" way of reaching individuals, being truly present with them and inspiring them to also do whatever they put their mind to. To Mo, that was love; for some it was spending time, for some it was teaching, for some it was giving of money, and when he didn't have it to give, he would still offer a hug, to any and all, no matter if it was his best friends or the homeless, without reservation. In all he did, Mo absorbed and experienced every single length and breadth of life that came to him and returned it in love for fellow humanity.

Moriah is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Paul and Jule (Norris) Ostrem, his paternal grandfather, Edward Dean Gottschalk, his old buddy Buster and his dear sweet Pearl. He leaves behind his parents, Jennifer Gottschalk, Scott Gottschalk, paternal grandmother Ardelle (Edward Dean) Gottschalk, siblings Dean (Jennifer) Gottschalk, Amanda Gottschalk, Zion (Veronica) Gottschalk, Hannah (Derick) Warner and Cassia Gottschalk, nieces, Acacia and Aliza, and nephews, Montgomery, Hamilton, Solomon, Levi, Mark Bailey, and Morgan Lynn. He also leaves behind those who were very close to him as well as his "flying family" who feels his loss immensely.

To honor Mo's extraordinary life, two "Celebrations of Mo" will be held. The first will be held March 29, 2025 at West Shores Marina in Thermal, California at 3 pm. The second will be held on March 31, 2025 at Pleasure Cove Marina - Lake Berryessa in Napa, California at 11 am. Both celebrations will reflect his adventurous spirit and be very casual, outdoor events featuring shared stories of Mo as each individual knows him, followed by his ashes scattering in the sky, barbecue, bonfires and open reminiscing with friends and family.

Moriah's legacy is, as he purposed it to be, not of his wealth or possessions, but of the love, inspiration and presence he leaves with all who knew and loved him. To know Mo is to love and be loved by Mo.