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Dick Goebel Obituary- written by his children.
Dick Goebel was born 1/13/1936 to Mary and Fred Goebel in Riverton, Nebraska, the baby boy of 12 siblings. Dick grew up in Red Cloud, NE where he finished his education. He passed away January 25, 2021 doing what he loved, taking care of his home and making sure his beloved wife, Jennie, was safe. He is preceded in death by grandson John Martinez, Jr.
In 1955 dad joined the Marines and was stationed at Lake Mead, NV, where he served until 1958. It is said that every time he moved up in rank, he would go out partying and would lose his stripes. He entered as a private and left a private. He was a patriot and loved his country.
In June of 1958, dad and his military buddies went to the Silver Dollar Saloon in Las Vegas to blow off steam. It was there he spotted a beautiful woman in a red dress. Her name was Jennie. Two weeks later they married, and a legacy begins. Dick and Jennie were married for 62 years, and the following happened, all because of that red dress.
Dick and Jennie have 5 children from this union. Rick Goebel (Donna), Tracy Voytek (Tom), Sandra Schulz, Lisa Whitmer (John), Michael Goebel (Leigh). 26 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren.
Dad loved music. Mom and dad loved to sing and dance together and play in the bands. Dad played almost every instrument he picked up by ear. He loved a good jam session, and our house became the gathering place for fun. He was a great dancer and we loved watching him jitterbug and dance with mom, bruising her ribs on a few occasions as he swung her over his hip.
All those that knew dad know that he had a very “vibrant” and “unique” personality. Our cousin, Steve Guerrero, once told mom that he would “explain” dad to his friends before introducing him. You never knew what would come out of his mouth. Dad had no filters for tactfulness.
Dad was very service oriented. He would take the little red wagon down James Street (our home in Las Vegas) collecting toys and food for a family in need. He was always doing fund raisers and benefits, having the family band as entertainment. He was active with Candlelighters in Las Vegas as well as the Eagles Lodge. Many great family gatherings happened at the Eagles Lodge.
Our entire family loves music because of dad. Whether the family band, singing, dancing or playing an instrument. This is our legacy. These joyful gifts continue with his grandchildren. There is never a gathering where a jam session doesn’t break out. The greatest invention of all time for our family was the karaoke machine. Grandkids and neighbors would visit to sing. Mom and dad always made sure their home was a safe place to be artistic and musical without judgement.
Dad was an entrepreneur. He had his own business, Goebel’s Sewer and Maintenance, from 1970 to 1999, when he retired and moved back to his beloved Red Cloud, NE. Dad was a hard worker, making sure he provided for his family. The lessons he taught us from his hard work are invaluable. His children and grandchildren are entrepreneurs and successful business people in all types of industries, not afraid to try and fail and get up and try again.
Dad loved to relax with his friends and family fishing. His greatest adventures were at Eagle Valley. This became an annual outing with the neighborhood, his extended network of friends and of course, his family. The more the merrier! Taking the boats on the lake, having a few beers, good food and of course bringing out the guitars. He worked hard and he played hard.
Dads grandchildren were his joy. Dad was not a very affectionate person but he showed love in his unique way. Every grandchild has a special nickname by dad, unique to them for his own reason. These nicknames mean the world to them.
If there is one message our dad would leave with us, it’s this: Life is fun! Life is a jam session with the people you love most in the world. Play music, sing loud, dance. Teach those babies to do the same!
After all, have you ever met a shy Goebel?
Funeral services were Saturday, 11:00 am, January 30, 2021 at the Williams Funeral Home with Pastor Darrell Sutton officiating.
DUE TO THE CURRENT PANDEMIC ALL GUESTS ARE ASKED TO WEAR A FACE MASK AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING AT ALL SERVICES AND VISITATIONS. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A FACE MASK PLEASE ASK ANY OF OUR STAFF AND ONE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR YOU.
SEATING WILL BE LIMITED TO 75% OF SEATING CAPACITY, PER SOUTH HEARTLAND HEALTH DISTRICT
Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970
Phone 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com
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