GOEKE, Charles 1842-1923

GOEKE, SHELLBAUER

Posted By: Jan Warren
Date: 3/24/2004 at 21:58:15

Obituary from Waukon Democrat July 1923

Charles Goeke was born in Lippe Detmold, Germany, April 6, 1842 and died at his home in Waukon, July 28, 1923, aged 81 years, 3 months and 22 days.

He came with his parents to America in 1848. The family settled near Sheboygan, Wisconsin, afterward removed to Manitowoc. Mr. Goeke grew to manhood in that part of the world.

On the 21st day of August he answered the call of his country and enlisted in Company C, 27th Wisconsin Infantry. He served faithfully to the close of the war and was honorably discharged August 29th, 1865.

Mr. Goeke was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Shellbauer, Oct. 19, 1868. In the spring of 1869, they came to Iowa and settled on a farm in Ludlow township, Allamakee County, remaining there until 1891, when they removed to Waukon, and this has since been their home.

March 23, 1923, Mrs. Goeke was called from the earthly life since which time Mr. Goeke has tread the path alone but with the love and sympathy of all who knew him.

Mr. Goeke was confirmed in the Presbyterian church in early life. He became a member of the Zalmona Presbyterian church of Ludlow and has never removed his membership. He and his wife attended the Waukon Presbyterian church when health and circumstances permitted and always called the pastor of that church his pastor.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of this city and was ever faithful to any trust that was committed to him. He delighted in instructing those who came into the lodge in the principles of Masonry and especially enjoyed the religious parts of its ceremonies. He desired that the brethren should carry his remains to deposit them in the resting place beside his loved wife.

They had no children, yet their hearts had been warm toward the little ones, and two of them were taken into their home and cared for with parental care, Maggie Crystal, afterwards Mrs. Wm. Hager, and her brother Nick, both of whom had preceded him to the other world. Mr. Goeke was every inch a patriotic soldier, a member of the G.A.R. He was ever an honorable citizen and loved the country for which he fought.

He leaves one sister, Mrs. John Reynolds, to mourn and a host of relatives who were proud of relationship to one who ever was honorable.

The funeral services will be held today at 2:30 at the Presbyterian church, Waukon , conducted by his long time pastor, Rev. Van Nice, assisted by the present pastor, Rev. Krebs.