Meet Your Neighbors: Michael & Kathy Godek
Creating a Life Filled with Art, Family, and Community
Michael and Kathy with one of his sculptures. Kathy played a special role in bringing this piece to life by helping plan its original composition.
For Michael and Kathy, Tiburon has always felt like more than just a neighborhood — it’s home. With its welcoming small-town atmosphere, strong school district, and close-knit community feel, it’s easy to see why they’ve built so many meaningful memories here over the years.
Michael has lived in the area his entire life, while Kathy has called Tiburon home for the past 26 years. Originally from the LaVista/Papillion area, Kathy’s family moved to Omaha in 1978 when her father was serving in the Air Force. Together, Michael and Kathy have built a blended family filled with love, laughter, and strong family connections. Michael’s children are Kayley, 30, Madison, 28, and Michael, 21. Kathy’s sons are Dakota, 24, and Hunter, 22.
The couple’s story began in a uniquely memorable way. Michael was hired to paint the exterior of Kathy’s home in Tiburon, never realizing the two already shared a connection from years earlier — they had attended the same high school. What started as a simple painting project eventually turned into something much more meaningful.
Professionally, both Michael and Kathy have built successful careers in very different fields. Michael is the owner of GO Painting LLC, a commercial and residential painting company known for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Beyond painting homes and businesses, he also pursues his passion as a local sculptor, creating monumental public and private sculpture commissions from his studio at the Hot Shops Art Center in downtown Omaha. Kathy works as a Senior Manager at PayPal specializing in compliance and identity theft prevention.
At home, the couple shares life with Daisy, their lovable 12-year-old Jack Russell Terrier rescue dog who keeps things entertaining around the house.
When they’re not working, Michael and Kathy enjoy spending time together exploring the Omaha area. Some of their favorite outings include date nights at Nick’s Quorum downtown, attending performances at the Holland Center and the Orpheum, walking local parks, and cheering on Nebraska Volleyball at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
One of their favorite neighborhood traditions is a monthly Bunko couples night with five other wonderful couples. Complete with their own custom rules and plenty of laughter, it’s become a highlight of each month and a perfect example of the friendships they’ve built in Tiburon.
For Michael and Kathy, the greatest part of living in Tiburon is the sense of community and connection that continues to make the neighborhood feel like family.