Dec. 27, 1929 ~ Sept. 23, 2024
Joseph “Joe” Goedert took his final ride Sept. 23, 2024. He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of nearly 71 years, Frances Goedert; five children Cindy (Dick) Welle, Connie (Tom) Edwards, Wendy (Greg) Garrett, Billy (Natasha) Goedert and Terry (DeeAnn) Goedert.
Joe was the sixth in the line of eight siblings from a blended family of John G. and Ruth Mills Goedert. The oldest being Warren and Ray Goedert; then Bob, Mary and Doris Porter; and finally, Albert and Adele Goedert. Joe and Frances had 11 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Joe was well known and loved by all he met, never really knowing a stranger. He had many jobs throughout his 94-plus years from milking cows, riding the summer range on the C Lazy U Ranch near Grand Lake, rodeo cowboy with the belt buckles to prove it, and so much more. Joe joined the Army in 1954, serving with pride in Korea. He enjoyed meeting men from all walks of life, driving and maintaining the many types of vehicles in the motor pool and there he honed his cabinetry skills making footlockers for many of the guys. A more patriotic man you will never find, never missing a 4th of July parade and rodeo, standing and saluting as the colors passed by. Joe was a proud member of the American Legion.
Though truly a man of many skills, his real passion was that of woodworking. Designing cabinets, shelves and more, most times on the back of a napkin or scrap of wood laying nearby, or teaching his children, grand children and friends alike.
Joe took the cowboy life serious, loving all animals, this great land and was always seeking new information on a multitude of subjects. He loved his old time country music, often asking one of us to “google” a specific singer or the “lyrics in my head go something like this.” He knew one song on the piano, Home on the Range, but had the voice of an angel when he’d sing us those mystery songs. His body was twisted and worn out but his mind was sharp as a tack, though he often told us “so many people these days have lost their identities (names).” He spoke to everyone who’d listen, which they did waiting graciously for the end or the punch line. His neighbors of late rescued him more than once when he somehow found himself on the ground in the middle of his yard.
We will miss this ol’ man, our hearts will continue to grieve, but he hurts no more and will continue to watch over us all from the great above.
A graveside service and Celebration of life will be held July 3, 2025.
The old cowboy dons his Sunday best
Hat, boots, neckerchief and vest
His pony saddled and ready by his side
The time was coming to make his final ride. He hasn’t time to say goodbye
His home awaits up in the sky.
He’s told his story so many times
His legacy all in place.
It’s time to go, a smile upon his face.
His words to all, be kind, show grace
He’s on to greener pastures, up near those pearly gates.
