Born on August 20, 1949, in San Antonio, TX, she was the beloved daughter of August George Berchelmann and Mary Lou Staak.
Katie was a devoted Catholic, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also a blessed survivor of breast cancer. She shares a lifetime of memories with her husband, Merle Gothard, and leaves behind a beautiful, growing family legacy. She has been affectionately referred to as Lala by all of her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her siblings: Mary Ann Davis, Joseph Berchelmann (and his wife Jan), Wm. Billy Berchelmann, and Christine Mann. Katie is survived by her loving husband Merle Gothard and her siblings Johanna McDonald, Jimmy Berchelmann and Stephen Berchelmann.
Katie is also survived and will forever be cherished in memory by her children and their families: daughter, Nora Franklin and fiancé, Clint Barton; son, Brian Gothard and wife, Lee Anne; son, Brent Gothard and wife, Mandy. In addition, Katie had 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren (soon to be seven great grandchildren).
Katie attended Ursuline Academy, but when she was ready for high school she wanted to attend Robert E. Lee with all of her friends and family. Her 8th grade year was spent convincing her mother and father, affectionately known as Gaga and Pokey, to allow her to attend. In typical LaLa fashion, she won that argument!
Through cunning manipulation, her cousin Betty Jeanette, was able to play cupid and arrange by “chance” Katie and Merle’s first date to attend her senior class picnic. That’s where their love story began. Merle and Katie were married on December 27,1968. The first year of their marriage was spent in Clovis, New Mexico while Merle finished his commitment to the Air Force. Merle has always said that Katie loved him because if she followed him to Clovis she would follow him anywhere. They would have celebrated their 58th year of marriage this December.
Upon their return to San Antonio, Katie began establishing a strong foundation and home for her family to grow. Katie encouraged and made sure everyone that came in contact with her felt loved and supported. In addition to being an amazing mother and wife Katie had many interests outside of the home. She was a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court. She was ranked a 4.0 player with the nickname of “Ace”. While in Austin she joined the Austin Ballet Guild and later brought that passion for the arts with her to San Antonio where she assisted in the establishment of the Ballet San Antonio Guild. She was an active member of the Catholic Church where she served on the Ladies ACTs retreat board as well as an advocate for several Catholic charities.
Katie’s warmth, love, and dedication to her large family will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church & School of Boerne, located at 202 W. Kronkosky St., Boerne, Texas 78006. The recitation of the Rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m.
Katie’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church & School of Boerne.
Her committal service will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, located at 17501 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio, Texas 78266.
Pallbearers to include Brian Gothard, Brent Gothard, William Gothard, Hayden Gothard, Payden Wells, and Karsen Wells. Honorary Pallbearers to include Dr. Bob Lee, Dr. Gerald Koppes, John Jordan, Garrett Claunch, Justin Boone, and Ed Gowery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church & School of Boerne.
