Dr. Stephen James Gocke, 77, passed away on September 8, 2025 in Oxnard, California.
Stephen was born in Los Angeles, CA to Robert and Gloria Gocke on May 14th, 1948. He went to Crespi High School in Encino, CA. He then went on to earn a B.A. degree at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, an M.A. at California State University Northridge, and a Ph.D. at William Lyons University in San Diego, CA.
Stephen is survived by Loren, his loving wife of 56 years; son Jeremy and wife Kris with grandchildren Lukas, Delaney, Gunnar, and Weston; son Jordan and wife Robin with grandchildren Tyler & Hadley; daughter Julia with grandchildren Nolan & Reese; as well as his 8 siblings, numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family. Stephen is preceded in death by his son Justin and his parents Robert and Gloria.
Stephen enjoyed biking, surfing, fishing, reading, paddle boarding, kayaking, traveling, snowboarding, hiking, camping, and spending time with family & friends, of which he had many. He was a constant explorer & adventurer, roaming thousands of miles of roads & trails by foot, bike and motorcycle – the Pacific Coast, the Sierra Nevadas, Coeur d’Alene and Sedona, among his favorites.
He impacted the lives of countless people, educating tens of thousands during his tenure as Superintendent of Lancaster School District and Executive Vice President at Learn 4 Life Charter Concepts; attracting businesses and marquee events to the City of Lancaster as Head of Special Projects; and as man of Catholic faith who befriended nearly everyone he met on his travels & adventures.
Stephen gave back to his community as a member and officer of numerous organizations, including Lancaster West Rotary Club (winning the Governors Bell as president), Streets of Lancaster, and IDEA. Stephen was also the author of two children’s books – Miss Rosie’s Day Off and The Cow Who Gave Brown Milk – both published in 2017.
“ZaZa!” – Steve Gocke
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, both which were dear to Stephen’s heart.