William "Bill" Gooch

William (Bill) Dean Gooch was born June 23, 1940, in Mexico Missouri. He was the son of Earl and Martha (Hudlin) Gooch. After a courageous battle with cancer, Bill passed away peacefully in his home with his wife and daughters by his side on Dec. 16, 2022.

Bill grew up in Wellsville, Missouri, with his 3 brothers and 1 sister. Bill loved and excelled at many sports. He graduated from high school in 1958 and enlisted in the Marines Corps where he was stationed in Japan. After he was discharged from the service, Bill married and had two daughters. Bill had several jobs including purchasing a restaurant and teaching flying lessons. At the age of 28 Bill decided to further his education. He sold his home, moved his family to Columbia and began classes at the University of Missouri (Mizzou). While working three jobs he supported his family and completed a 4-year program in three years.

A new and exciting chapter began when Bill was introduced on a blind date to Dianne Conkin Tate through mutual friends. He went on to marry the love of his life on Dec. 18, 1976. The family of three now became the family of six. As his career in sales with Scott Paper Company advanced, a relocation became necessary and the family moved to Fargo, North Dakota. It was difficult to become accustomed to the flatlands, continuous wind, and frigid temps, however they learned to love the area and made lifelong friends which made it possible to endure the weather. Bill and Dianne immersed themselves in the North Dakota traditions and culture learning to polka, waltz and spending summers by living life on the lake.

After 25 years with Scott Paper, Bill took an early retirement but then found himself back in sales with the Pillsbury Company for an additional six years. In 2007, after the last daughter moved out of North Dakota, Bill and Dianne relocated back to their home state of Missouri and settled in Mountain Grove. They built near Dianne’s parents where they enjoyed peace of the country, front porch sitting, bird watching and most of all, each other. Bill and Dianne also enjoyed winters in Florida, travel with friends, including a trip to Alaska, many golf vacations and visiting their daughters across the country.

Bill relished life. No challenge was too big. In the early years he obtained his pilot license and loved flying. At the age of 79, Bill decided to try a new way of flying by hang gliding. He was an avid golfer, loved sports, fishing, and never said no to boating. He always looked forward to spending time with friends, especially when he could relax and tell a good story. Bill had many accomplishments throughout his life but would say that he is most proud of the four daughters he and Dianne raised and their families.

Bill is survived by his wife, Dianne Gooch of Mountain Grove, Missouri; brother, James Gooch of Wellsville, Missouri; daughter, Cheryl Furuseth (Doug) of Altoona, Wisconsin; daughter, Lisa Racic (Kevin) of Loxley, Alabama; daughter, Jodi Tate (Maeve) of Iowa City, Iowa; and daughter, Mindy Sirjord (Stu) of Andover, Minnesota. Bill has nine grandchildren; Brittni, Dustin, Aunikka, Jordan, Gabrielle, Emma, Ella, Liam, Brody and four great grandchildren; Nyah, Landon, Olivia, and Zaria plus numerous nieces and nephews.