Catherine M. Gordee

Catherine Marie Gordee of Dale, Wisconsin, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, is resting peacefully in the care of her family and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Born on July 8, 1951, Catherine “Cathy” was the daughter of Reverend LeRoy and Catherine Pearl Ade, and the treasured wife of Randall E. Gordee, with whom she shared fifty beautiful years of marriage.

Cathy was known for her unwavering love, gentle strength, and fierce devotion to her family. She married her high school sweetheart, Randy, eloping on August 24, 1971, followed by a joyful celebration of their marriage on October 31, 1971. Together, they built a life full of adventure, faith, and family—relocating between Wisconsin and Iowa for Randy’s work, always putting their family first wherever they went.

She raised five children with grace and care, and her greatest pride came from watching her family grow. Her home was always a place of welcome, warmth, and wisdom. Cathy’s kindness, creativity, and quiet resilience touched every person she met. Whether through her role as a mom, a friend, a community member, or a woman of faith, she carried love wherever she went.

Cathy was one of six children. The Ades were surrounded by a strong foundation of faith, music, and service. Cathy was the only one who took to the piano, later using that gift to serve faithfully as a church organist. The family’s devotion to God shaped Cathy’s heart and guided her life.

Cathy was also dearly loved by the entire Gordee family—welcomed with love and embraced as one of their own. That bond remained strong across decades of gatherings, shared joys, and support through life’s hardest seasons.

While raising her children, Cathy returned to school in her forties and proudly earned her accounting degree—an accomplishment that reflected her intelligence and quiet determination. During that same time, while living in Iowa, she also played the organ every Sunday at church, making the long drive each week to serve faithfully. After moving back to Wisconsin, she set up a small home office where she prepared taxes for family, friends, and neighbors across multiple towns. She was the one everyone trusted—and somehow made tax season feel a little lighter, just by being there.

Cathy attended St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dale, Wisconsin, where she and Randy shared many years of service and fellowship. Both were active members of the choir and served in countless roles over the years—ushering, serving on church council, youth group leaders, helping with events, and supporting their church family however they could.

Cathy is lovingly survived by her five children and their spouses: Scott (Tiffany) Gordee, Jennifer (Deron) Micketti, Jeremy (Emily) Gordee, Susan (Noah) Saecker, and John (Virginia) Gordee; there are fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her siblings are Pearl Annette (James) Torrey, Patricia (Charles) Sonnenburg, Timothy (Deborah) Ade, and Rainie (Fred) Pellien; her in-laws include Barbara Ade, Kenneth (Kathy) Gordee and Dave (Brenda) Gordee. There are also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She is now joyfully reunited in heaven with her husband Randy; her parents, Reverend LeRoy and Catherine Pearl Ade; her brother, Thomas Ade; and her beloved in-laws, Everett and Esther Gordee. Together again, they are held forever in God’s embrace.

The Christian Funeral Service for Cathy will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, located at 930 E. Florida Avenue in Appleton, with Rev. Paul Ibisch officiating. Visitation will take place directly at the church on the morning of August 2, beginning at 11:00 AM and continuing until the time of the service.