Josiah Michael Goecker

Josiah Michael Goecker of Eagle River, Alaska, gave his life to protect a colleague on October 23, 2023. His selfless act of heroism surprised no one who knew him in his 34 years of life. He is survived by his pregnant wife, Carrie Goecker, his daughter Olivia, unborn daughter Josi Faith, his mother and father, and 9 siblings.
His family and friends adored him for his kindness, his wisdom, and his ability to create community everywhere he lived. As a "military brat", he lived in many places, including Alaska while he was a teenager.
He applied his decisive leadership skills and business acumen to become a pivotal driver of several award-winning Chick-fil-As. Accolades rarely excited Josiah though; what he truly loved about his work was mentoring the teenagers who worked for him. The personal growth of his team members as people, in all areas of life, was something he treated as a serious responsibility. He never shied away from speaking truth with grace and bulldog-like persistence.
Despite his accomplishments, he dreamed of returning to the mountains and streams of Alaska. In 2017, he made the leap and returned to the Last Frontier. Josiah could barely contain his excitement on the Alaska Marine Highway, pointing out every bald eagle, the scenery that only changed inch by inch (but still needed attention), and the spectacular sunsets over the Inside Passage. He was like a child who had tasted cotton candy for the first time.
He quickly established himself as an avid fisherman, and these outings were a special time for him to catch up with his friends and family. He especially relished the family's annual dip netting trip on the Kenai River, taking most of the responsibility to coordinate the daunting logistical task of preparing and supervising 10+ family members while dip netting.
He met his wife, Carrie, and they quickly bonded over their love of God, family, and all the adventures that Alaska offers. Josiah proposed to Carrie at the Eagle River Nature Center's viewing deck in May of 2021, and they married in August of 2021. As a family man, Josiah was the ultimate girl dad. Friends and family recall him riding his bike with Olivia around the neighborhood and helping neighbors remove snow. He loved a good bonfire with s'mores and loved ones. He was absolutely overjoyed to discover they were expecting their second daughter early next year.
To his siblings, he was like a third parent; he was their loudest fan, the first they called when facing adversity, and the life of family gatherings with his dry, self-deprecating humor. To his parents, he was a beloved son who honored them by seeking out work from his father's list of projects on their property (and enjoying a good conversation while working alongside his father).
He volunteered frequently at ACF Church in Eagle River by helping attendees find parking during the Alaska winter or extending a warm greeting at the door. He became teary-eyed during baptisms and was passionate about Hope to Alaska, an organization with the church that provides funding so individuals struggling with mental health and suicide can obtain help.
Josiah was loved by all who knew him for his steadiness, his kindness, and his courage. All who mourn his passing take solace in knowing his legacy is one of love to family, friends, and community. On Monday night, October 23, 2023, Josiah undoubtedly gazed into the eyes of Jesus and heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, November 2nd, 2023, at 5:30 pm at ACF Church, 16620 Brooks Loop, Eagle River, AK 99577.
Arrangements were made with Janssen's Eagle River Funeral Home.