Rosemount, Minnesota – Harold Evan Gooch passed away suddenly on May 30th, 2026. He lived a full life with an exorbitant passion for his family, his business and his sport.
Harold was born on December 28, 1952, in Duluth, Minnesota, as an only child to Herbert and Joyce (Rush) Gooch. Harold had an idyllic childhood growing up in Duluth’s picturesque small-town era. His father worked at Bridgeman Creamery and his mother was a teaching assistant at a local school. A special remembrance of his childhood was his mother’s delectable baking. Harold often spoke lovingly of her daily pies, bars and cookies. His favorite was her butterscotch pie.
After graduating from Duluth East High School, Harold attended the College of St. Scholastica before transferring to Mankato State University. At Mankato, he joined a new paramedic program and, in 1975, became one of two students to earn an Associate of Science degree in Emergency Medical Care and Rescue. Harold pioneered the notable paramedic program alongside faculty, which was among only a handful of programs in the nation at the time.
Harold then moved to the cities to work as a paramedic at the Divine Redeemer Hospital in South St. Paul, Minnesota. There he met Cathy, the love of his life, while she worked as a dispatcher. The two were married in October of 1978. Harold admired Cathy’s large, Mexican family and treasured the vibrant food and culture.
Harold worked as a paramedic for 20 years, overlapping him and Cathy’s early entrepreneurial days- raising their toddlers and building their tortilla brand from their Inver Grove Heights home. Harold and Cathy were beautiful partners in both business and life. Together they raised a loving family while pursuing a shared dream of building a tortilla company that would later grow into a family business legacy, Catallia Mexican Foods.
Catallia’s story was one Harold was deeply proud of. In the early days, he wore whatever hat was needed, taking on accounting, logistics, distribution, and branding. He believed in the product, demand grew and he persevered to keep the business moving forward. What began with local grocery stores eventually grew into national partnerships and a thriving manufacturing operation.
Harold dedicated nearly 41 years to the tortilla business and served as Chief Financial Officer in his most recent role. He had a natural gift for business and people. He built lasting relationships, earned the trust of customers, employees, and colleagues, and approached decisions with integrity and thoughtfulness. Undoubtedly, Catallia’s success reflects his profound passion, brave vision, and trusting character. His legacy lives on in the business he helped build, and in the values he passed on to Dan, Michael and Annette, who will proudly carry it forward.
Harold’s other passions for motocross, snowmobiling and bicycling began in the outdoor haven of Duluth. His love for motocross spanned nearly 60 years and became a distinguished part of who he was. His love for the sport never faded- he was a member of District 23 and an American Motorcyclist Association life member. In his most recent years, he sponsored various senior and veteran races in the Midwest. Harold’s enthusiasm for motocross formed lifelong friendships and created cherished memories for the Gooch family.
Harold lived life to the fullest and had a captivating spirit that was memorable to everyone that met him. He was generous and caring. A trusting anchor and protector of the family. He was a loving and devoted husband, relentless in always putting Cathy first. An exceptional father, and fun-loving grandpa who will be greatly missed.
Harold is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cathy; three children, Dan (Emily), Michael, and Annette (Sharif); his eight grandchildren, Ethan, Ella, Linnea, Sullivan, Wallace, Rohan, Annika and Raina; many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
A visitation will be held for Harold on Tuesday, June 23rd at Roberts Funeral Home in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota from 4:00-7:00pm, with eulogy sharing at 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 24th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosemount, Minnesota at 11:00am. Visitation 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to Mass at church. Private interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN. We commend his beautiful spirit to the arms of our loving God.