Kathryn Elizabeth "Kathy" Gorecki, 72, of Farwell, died Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Grand Island Regional Medical Center in Grand Island.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Farwell. The Revs. Vince Parsons, David Rykwalder, and Alex Borzych will celebrate the Mass, assisted by Deacon Phil Lukasiewicz. Burial will be in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery in Farwell.

A parish rosary will begin at 5:00 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, with visitation to follow from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or to the family for later designation.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Kathryn Elizabeth "Kathy" Gorecki was born on August 27, 1953, in Ord, Nebraska, to Richard and Esther (Burson) Tuma. She attended Elba Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1971. She then attended Grand Island Business School, where she earned an associate’s degree.

Over the years, Kathy held a variety of positions. She worked at the Elba Club, Baldwin Filters in Kearney, L&D Plastics in Burbank, California, St. Paul Equipment, Elba State Bank, Sherman County Bank, and Howard County Bank. She also worked at the Farwell Post Office and most recently served as the secretary for St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Farwell and St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elba.

Kathy married the love of her life, Donald Gorecki on November 9, 1991, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Farwell. They made their home on a farm north of Farwell, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They were blessed with two children, Laura and Andrew, who brought Kathy tremendous joy. Later, her greatest joy became her grandson, Trey, whom she dearly loved and cherished.

Kathy was a faithful member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Farwell and its Council of Catholic Women. She sang in the St. Anthony's Church Choir, taught CCD, and served as its director for many years. Her faith and service to her parish were at the heart of her life. Kathy also served on the Howard County Election Board, was a 4-H leader, and a member of the 4-H Council, and judged 4-H exhibits at area county fairs, for many years. She was also a member of Alpha Sigma Sorority.

Kathy loved reading, baking and cooking, sewing, traveling, working with ceramics, being a grandma, planning family gatherings, and, as her family would tell you, to shop, shop, shop! She also enjoyed collecting Nativity scenes, a treasured hobby throughout her life. Kathy was the organizer who kept everyone on track, and her family knows life will be much less organized without her there to keep them all in line.

She is survived by her husband, Don of Farwell; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and TJ Oltman of Columbus; son, Andrew Gorecki of Farwell; exchange student, Vasco Citta of Milan, Italy; grandson, Trey Oltman of Columbus; brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Barb Tuma of Elba; sisters and brothers-in-law, Peggy and Kevin Jorgensen of Grand Island and Melanie and Dave Weeks of Hastings; sister-in-law, Marge Krings of Columbus; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Esther (Burson) Tuma; sister, Patricia Tuma; sister-in-law, Diane Tuma; parents-in-law, Paul and Rita Gorecki; and brother-in-law, Ken Krings.