William "Billy" Gooder

William “Billy” Gooder, a Duluth artist known locally for his work with Lake Superior stone, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 60 years old and had bravely faced an aggressive cancer. William was born in Duluth, MN on May 13, 1966. He attended Holy Rosary and East High School. He held a degree in hotel management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he graduated cum laude. But it was a different path that came to define him. In 2000, returning home from India, William set off on a seven-day circle tour of Lake Superior. Along the way he found himself drawn to the stones scattered across beaches and river mouths. He gathered the first pieces of what would become his signature collection during that trip. He founded Lake Superior Rock Art in 2004 and first exhibited his work to the local community in 2005. In the years that followed he built pieces ranging from small tabletop arrangements to larger installations found throughout the region. William liked to describe himself as an "artisanal small-scale miner." Decades of beachcombing gave him an intimate knowledge of Lake Superior's geology. He understood how the lake's seasonal ice, wind, and currents constantly reshape which stones wash ashore each year.

Above all, William was most proud of his son, Leo. He treasured him and took immense joy in his accomplishments and in watching him grow. Their closeness meant everything to him. Wherever life took William, Leo remained his greatest source of pride and joy.

William is survived by his son, Leo Gooder; his parents, William C. Gooder III (Katie) and Sandra Kemp (Tom); and his sisters, Donde Goldfine (John), Linda Nervick and Holly Trachsel (Tim). He enjoyed decades of family gatherings at fishing openers, which included his nieces and nephews: Ted Goldfine (Julie), Fia Goldfine, Nick Nervick, Hope Mach (Matt), Oliver Trachsel, Autumn Trachsel and Charlie Trachsel.

Visitation will be held on Wed. September 23, 2026, from 10AM until 11AM Memorial Mass in Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. 2801 E. 4th St. Duluth, MN 55812. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805. 218-727-3555.