Earl F. Goecker was born in Clarinda, Iowa, on Jan. 14, 1918, and passed away in Crescent City on June 17, 2012, at the age of 94. Earl’s early Iowa years were on a farm with his father, George; mother, Margaret; and brother Roy, along with several aunts, uncles, and families on nearby farms.
At age seven, his mother brought him to Denver for hospital care. He attended Denver schools and went on to attend Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo., for a year. This year showed his early interest in geology, rocks and metals.
At 21, he enlisted in the Marines and served in active duty throughout World War II, concluding on Okinawa in 1945 when the war ended. Early on he showed his talent for creative solutions and his commanding officers would set him on impossible tasks. He’d say, “Sure I can.” Then wonder, “What did I say? I’d guess I’d better give it a try.” Recently it was discovered one of the last missions had earned him a medal and commendation.
During the war he married Rella Erisman and had two children, Kathy and Earl Arthur. He also embraced Rella’s two young children Michael and Robyn. After the war, Rella was an influence for him beginning the main work of his life as foreman of heat treating and chemist and metallurgist at a plant in Colorado Springs, Colo., that specialized in building airplane ejection seats.
He and Rella divorced in 1956. His boss commented that Earl picks himself up and goes on. He gradually had Earl set up with chemistry and metallurgy labs. In 1957 Earl married his present wife of 55 years, Mary Jean. Their children are Mary Kathleen, Rebecca and Michael. In 1970 a business associate invited him to attend a charter meeting for a new chapter of Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship in Colorado Springs. There he was baptized in the Holy Spirit and was immediately launched, knowing confidently God loves us, the Lord knowing and directing his talents for doing hard things. Family circumstances brought the family to Crescent City in 1973.
The jobs to fit him here were driving a school bus and working as a teacher’s aide. He also worked at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for a couple of seasons. Later on, for about 15 years, he worked with a team of 4–10, ministered at the minimum security Alder Camp encouraging the men there to discover their assignment from the Lord and their special talents.
Funeral services for Earl Goecker will be Tuesday, June 26, 2 p.m., at the Redwood Family Worship Center on Parkway Drive at English Lane in Crescent City. Son, Air Force Chaplain Major Michael, will be officiating. Refreshments following. Military burial honors will be held at the Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, on July 2, 2012.
Family prefers contributions be made to Redwood Worship Center.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel.
— Submitted by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel
