Kathleen Anne Kotscher

Kathleen Anne Kotscher, 81, of Bonita Springs, FL, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, in Fort Myers, just weeks after the passing of her beloved husband, Gottfried. Born on December 5, 1943, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, she was the cherished daughter of the late Wallace and Iren (Siudzinski) Bouttot. Kathleen was a registered nurse by training, but she dedicated much of her life to supporting her husband's business and their shared dreams. In 1974, she and Gottfried opened G.J. Kotscher Jewelers in Oelwein, Iowa. Together, they built a thriving business, eventually expanding with additional locations in Decorah, IA, and Prairie du Chien, WI. Kathleen's warmth, kindness, and attention to detail helped define the welcoming spirit of their stores, which became trusted fixtures in their communities for decades. In 1989, Kathleen and Gottfried purchased property in Bonita Springs and made it their full-time home in 2000. In 2002, they added a cherished cabin in Kindberg, Austria, where they spent many happy summers from May through October. Faith played a central role in Kathleen's life. She was a devoted member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, where she sang joyfully in the choir for over 20 years. An adventurous spirit, Kathleen loved to travel and shared countless journeys with her husband across the globe - including memorable cruises and visits to places like Morocco, Egypt, and Croatia. She is survived by her loving children, Christian Kotscher and wife Michelle of Cumming, GA, and Heidi Gossman and husband Jody of Shawnee, KS. She was a devoted grandmother to Ellie Gossman, Kinsey McKnight and husband Brendan, Emma Gossman, Chani Kotscher, Jack Gossman, and Bernadette Kotscher. Kathleen is also survived by her siblings, Joe Bouttot and wife Mary of Leder Falls, IA, and Geralyn "Gigi" Whetro of Huntington Beach, CA, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of many years, Gottfried Kotscher, on June 30, 2025; and by her siblings Eileen Silver, Dennis Bouttot, and Gerard Bouttot. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, FL. Kathleen and Gottfried will be laid to rest together in Waterloo, Iowa at a later date. 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 Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.