Cathy F. Gonzalez

In Loving Memory of Cathy Frances (Lamke) Gonzalez

July 2, 1950 – October 16, 2026

Cathy Frances (Lamke) Gonzalez, 76, of Shakopee, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 2, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Marie and Francis “Fritz” Lamke and grew up to graduate from Osseo High School.

In October 1967, Cathy met the true love of her life, Everett “Speedy” Gonzalez. Their connection was instant, and just ten months later, on August 31, 1968, they were married in South Dakota. Together, they embarked on a 55-year journey built on devotion, hard work, and a shared love for adventure.

The early years of their marriage brought them to Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Howard Lake, where they shared a home with their beloved Yorkshire Terrier, “Yorkie.” They later moved to Chaska to expand their family, joyfully welcoming their daughters, Tina in November 1975 and Anit in August 1977.

Throughout the decades, Cathy and Speedy built a beautiful life centered entirely around their family. They moved to Eden Prairie in 1978, transitioned to a hobby farm in Jordan in 1989, and constructed their cherished "forever" home in Prior Lake in 1993. This chapter of life was filled with profound pride as they watched their daughters grow, graduate, and begin families of their own. Seeking a peaceful retreat, they eventually established a beloved weekend heaven at their camper in Sherwood Forest, off Lake Mille Lacs. Keeping close to their deep Minnesota roots, they downsized to a comfortable home in Shakopee in 2019.

Cathy lived for the moments spent escaping the everyday routine with the people she loved. She adored their spontaneous car rides to "blind-picked spots on the map"—gladly leaving the driving to Speedy—and cherished their annual, end-of-summer week at their Breezy Point timeshare. One of her most treasured highlights was a memorable trip to Niagara Falls alongside Speedy and her grandchildren. Whether traveling somewhere entirely new or returning to her favorite lakeside retreats, she found her ultimate happiness in listening to the laughter and giggles of the kids playing in the water and running around.

Beyond her devotion to family, Cathy was an award-winning quilter who poured immense talent, patience, and creativity into her craft. Much like the beautiful quilts she made, her life was a vibrant tapestry woven from individual pieces of friendship, travels, and love. Each quilt she left behind remains a tangible, meticulously detailed piece of her heart that her family will treasure forever.

Cathy is survived by her sister, Barbra (Parnell) Buss; brother, Tomas Derr; Sisters-in-Law, Danielle (Gary) Vuckovic Lamke, Marlene (Gary) Meyer, Rita Rogers; daughters, Tina (Jason Fairbanks) Lundell, and Anit (Tomas) Elke; stepdaughter, Robin Sundem; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, her six grandchildren, Dustin Gonzalez, KyLee (James Jr.) Minor, KayLee Lundell, Sohnia Fairbanks, Ryan Sundem, and Sean Sundem; and her three great-grandchildren, Tanner Gonzalez, McKenzie Minor, and Landon Knudson.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Everett “Speedy” Gonzalez, who passed away on October 13, 2023; her parents, Marie and Francis “Fritz” Lamke; siblings Michael Lamke, Nancy Lamke, Judy Lamke, Larry Lamke, and Gary Lamke.

Cathy will always be remembered for her creativity, her love of family, and the countless memories she created with those closest to her. Though she is gone, her love will live on through the generations of family she leaves behind.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

Forever loved and always remembered.