Jeffrey P. Goecke

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Funeral services for Jeffrey P. Goecke, 75, of Estherville, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at the Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville with Deacon John Rudd officiating. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Estherville with military honors by VFW Post 3388 and American Legion Post 91, both of Estherville. Jeffrey passed away at his home in rural Estherville on Jan. 26, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday at the funeral chapel in Estherville.

Jeffrey P. Goecke, the son of Vernon and Mary Jo (Reynolds) Goecke, was born on September 21, 1947 in Estherville, Iowa. 

Jeff graduated from Estherville High School. Following graduation, Jeff enlisted in the United States Army on November 25, 1966, where he served in Vietnam. While in Vietnam he was united in marriage to Doan. Sadly Doan passed away before the end of Jeff’s deployment. Upon his honorable discharge on October 5, 1969, he returned to Emmet County to farm with his parents. Jeff enjoyed the land and tending to it. He was united in marriage to Twila Handeland and the couple had a son Brendon. This marriage was later dissolved. Besides farming he was employed at Art’s Way Manufacturing for many years, always one to stay busy. He was later married to Carolyn Hansen and the couple had a daughter Holly; this marriage was also later dissolved.

Jeff had a passion for the farm and land he lived on, enjoyed his alone time there. He had a special touch for his sweet corn patch, which his family anxiously awaited each year for it to be ready. He just recently shared with his son, where the asparagus patches that he picked were, until then they were a secret that only Jeff knew. Jeff was quite the handyman—he could fix anything and loved to tinker on his machinery. He was the go-to guy in the family if a vehicle needed fixed. In his younger years, he could be seen driving around town in his GTO, which he may have raced a few times.

Jeff was a friend to many; he enjoyed some Old Milwaukees during happy hour at Fat Boys. He was always quick with a joke, especially Ole and Lena ones.

Jeff is survived by his son Brendon (Tabitha) Goecke, his daughter Holly (Jason) Martin, and 3 grandchildren Trinity Goecke, Payton Martin and Lincoln Martin. He is also survived by his siblings Becky Baker, Laura Burns, and Scott (Darla) Goecke; and many nieces and nephews.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com.