Richard “Dick” J. Goebel, age 95, of Howards Grove passed away peacefully at Countryside Manor on Wednesday,
March 5, 2025.
Dick was born October 17, 1929 at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago, the youngest of four children to the late Walter
and Anne (nee McDermott) Goebel. He attended Little Flower grade school and later graduated as class Vice
President from Calumet High School in 1947. He attended Iowa State University, was an active member of the
Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics in 1951. Two
months after graduation, Dick entered the Army as a Corporal, trained in the tank division, and served two years,
mostly in Fulda Germany. After returning in 1953, he began his career with General Motors Acceptance Corporation
(GMAC) and later joined Brunswick Corporation, holding several positions in credit analysis, sales and
management, all in the Chicagoland area. In 1973, he accepted a job transfer to Mercury Marine in Fond Du Lac WI
and retired as Credit Manager in 1995.
On a blind date in November, 1955, he was introduced to Millie Poulsen by a fraternity brother and his wife. The two
fell in love and were engaged a year later. They married June 15, 1957 at Our Lady of Angels Church in Chicago.
Dick enjoyed many things, especially traveling and spending time with family and friends, and captured so many
great memories with his camera. He liked working around the house, being a do-it-yourselfer and was always
willing to “give it a try”. He enjoyed all sports, especially basketball, golf and bowling and was active in several
leagues for many years. More recently he was a member of the Howards Grove Tigers Dartball team and relished
the weekly matches both as a player and scorekeeper. An avid card player all his life, he enjoyed bridge and poker,
but really loved a competitive game of cribbage, oftentimes claiming a Culvers shake as his winning prize. He was
involved in several organizations including the Noon Optimist Club, the St. Dominic’s Human Concerns committee,
and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Among his many milestones, he considered the Honor Flight to Washington
DC with his brother and the induction into the Guiness World Book of Records with his three siblings as some of the
most memorable. His grandchildren were his pride and joy; he treasured watching their many sporting events and
performances, cherished the conversations about their travels and life experiences and was extremely proud of
their academic, musical and professional achievements.
Dick was the epitome of gentleness, friendliness and unwavering positivity, leaving an indelible mark on everyone
fortunate enough to meet him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity and his endearing smile lives
on in the many hearts he touched. He serves as a reminder to live life to the fullest, be faithful, humble, respectful,
and compassionate to others.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 61+ years, his parents, sister Gerry and husband Bill Bulger, brother Bob and
wife Aileen, brother-in-law Bob Gilmartin, sister-in-law Leona and husband Bernie Bernardini, several other beloved
family members and many dear friends.
Dick is survived by his son Brett (Denise) Goebel of Sheboygan, three very special grandchildren, Lucas (fiance
Abby Shreve) of Bayview WI, Lindsey of Eau Claire WI, and Katie of Madison WI, sister Marge Gilmartin of Lisle IL
and many nieces and nephews.
A mass to celebrate Dick’s life will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 12:00pm at St. Dominic Catholic Church,
2133 N. 22nd Street, Sheboygan, with Fr. Phil Reifenberg officiating. The family will receive guests at the visitation
beginning at 10:00am. Final interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
A very special thank you to the staff, nurses and caregivers at Countryside Manor and Sharon Richardson
Community Hospice and to the SNCP home communion ministers for their tremendous care, compassion and
fellowship provided to Dick and his family over the past several months.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to benefit St. Dominic Parish, Sharon Richardson Hospice and the St.
Vincent de Paul Society in Sheboygan in Dick’s name.
Zimmer Westview Funeral and Cremation Center is assisting the family.
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