RALPH GOEDKEN Obituary

RALPH GOEDKEN ALAMO - Ralph Goedken left this world to be with Our Lord on Sunday, August 19, 2012 in McAllen, Texas. He was born on the family farm in Eastern Iowa on September 26, 1921. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ida Goedken. The farm has been in the family for 6 generations. Ralph joined the U.S. Air Force in 1942 during WWII and was stationed in Mission, Texas which introduced him to the Rio Grande Valley which would later become his permanent home. During his time in service, he was a crew chief for the B-24 Heavy Bombers. Ralph was an early pioneer in flying, had his first plane on the farm, and gave many, many rides to friends and neighbors. He married Ruth Henry in 1959 and he and her two children moved to McAllen to raise the family. He was involved in several work related endeavors while ending his working career at Reynolds Manufacturing. Ralph continued his love of flying at every opportunity. After Ruth passed away, he met and married Carol Dibrell and enjoyed their retirement years at Alamo Country Club with many friends they met while attending the senior dances. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Goedken; his siblings, Sister Mary Ivan Goedken, Fred Goedken, and Mildred (John) Reiter; his children, Dick (Jean) Henry, Jeannie Henry Braden; his grandchildren, Scott (Judith) Henry, Kelley (Marco) Arredondo, Sean (Jennifer) Braden, Nathan (Heather) Braden; along with 4 great-grandchildren, Ryan Henry, Coy Conner Braden, Alisha Rayanne Braden, and Ericka Riley Braden; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 21st from 5pm to 7pm with a rosary being recited for the repose of his soul at 7pm. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, August 22nd at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen, Texas followed by his internment at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 93 of Mission, Texas. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries

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Published by The Monitor on Aug. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for RALPH GOEDKEN

15 Entries

Scott and Veronica Evans

January 24, 2013

Carol, So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He was truly a great man. We will always remember with joy all your dancing exploits! He will be missed greatly and loved always.

September 5, 2012

Carol, I just learned about Ralph and am in shock and full of sorrow for your loss.He will be missed by so many including me. God has blessed him and will hold him dear. Jan Rooney

August 22, 2012

Good man. Great smile. He will be missed by all that knew him. Doc Sanders

Pat Arguello

August 22, 2012

Carol, so sorry to hear this news. We will miss seeing Ralph out on the dance floor at our jams and at Lyle Beaver dances. I'll always remember that Ralph got out on the dance floor to do the circle schottische with me when I needed a partner; and that he had me play my cornet at his last birthday party. He was so kind to me and a great supporter or my playing. He will be missed!

1966 riding out Hurricane Beulah.

August 22, 2012

I'm saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. Ruth, Ralph, Dick and Jean were great friends of our family thru-out the 1960's in McAllen. I'll never forget us all huddled in at our house on Sycamore in '66 riding out Hurricane Beulah for a few days. My Mom (Marcy) and Dad (Bill Lott) are now both gone as well. I'm sure they're all now sitting around a card table in heaven. Rest in Peace Ralph and God Bless you Carol, Dick and Jean. Love Ya'll. David C. Lott ([email protected])

Adrian & Lucy Palitza

August 22, 2012

To the Goedken and Henry families,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ralph. Even though you will niss him dearly, find comfort in knowing that he is with the Lord and is now in peace. May you always keep your memories close at heart. Our love and prayer are with your all.

August 22, 2012

Great Man and great family. Blessed to grow up on Esperanza St around the Goedken family- Dick( still call you Richard as you know). Appreciate you big guy!- You remain in my prayers-Bobby from the neighborhood

August 21, 2012

Carol and family, So sorry, I'm sure Ralph is dancing in heaven, Our Sympathy, Tom and Jeanette Bell

August 21, 2012

Carol I am very sorry to hear about Ralph. I will keep you in my prayers during this tough time. I know that nothing can take away the pain you are filling right now. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. You and Ralph were great volunteers at McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Prayers for you and your family.

Darlene Reiter

August 21, 2012

My sister Mary Lou has expressed our affection for Uncle Ralph quite well. His enthusiasm was contagious and he always brought high spirits, an easy laugh and intriguing tales. I still have the peso coin he gave to me five decades ago. How blessed we have been to have such a delightful uncle. To Carol, Dick, Jeannie, Sister Ivan, Fred, Mom and all those who loved him, may the many memories of Ralph bring you pleasure and peace. Love, Darlene

Mildred--Bob Hardison

August 21, 2012

We were so shocked by Ralphs passing. Our prayers are with you now Carol.

Geri & George Hardie

August 21, 2012

Carol, Our thoughts are with you, we will miss him, always enjoyed the danceing and visiting.

August 21, 2012

to the Goedken Family and Henry Family my Deepest Sympathy, always a smile from Ralph. He will be missed by many.
Mrs.Earl N. Englerth, Fort Worth, Tx.

August 21, 2012

My deepest sympathies, Carol. The happiness and love you and Ralph shared brought sunshine to many lives. Mary Hicks - Winter Haven

August 21, 2012

Uncle Ralph was truly one of a kind. Always positive and upbeat without exception. I anticipated his visits to Iowa much like Christmas morning. And that feeling never changed. He was a ray of sunshine, a jokester, a sweet friend, and a fantastic dancer- attributes that no doubt assisted him in finding two wonderful women in Ruth and Carol. I, like so many others, will greatly miss Ralph, but I will try to push away the sadness as best I can and remember the positive light he will always shine in. -Mary Lou

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