Wallace J. Goleeke

Wallace J. GOLEEKE Wallace John Goleeke, "Wally", passed away 9/8/2011 in Spokane, WA after a brief, sudden illness. His adoring wife of 56 years, Suzanne, sons David of Redmond, WA and Richard, of Spokane, WA were by his side playing the music he so loved. Wally is also survived by Richard's wife Cindy, grandchildren Michael, Casey and Lindsey, brother Tom and several nieces and nephews. Wally was a lifelong Christian and lived that faith as he directed church choirs in Seattle, then Spokane throughout his lifetime. Wally and Sue retired to Spokane in 2003 to be near Richard (Rick) and his family. He directed at Northwood Presbyterian in Spokane for 8 years up to this last summer. Wallace was born to William and Ellen Goleeke in Ponca City, OK on 12/21/1932, joining older brother Bill and preceding younger brother Tommy. The family moved to Seattle in 1936 where Wally went to Allen Elementary, then Monroe Jr. High before graduating from Ballard High School in 1951. He went on to earn his BA, MA and DMA degrees at the University of Washington with post-doctoral studies in Vienna, Austria. After college and before joining the Navy, Wally married his dear Suzanne (Burton). Their first son David was born while he was still studying at the "U" and on active duty with the Naval Reserve. Second son Richard joined the family in 1961. When Ingraham High School opened in 1959, Wallace was chosen as the first Director of Choral Music, establishing a variety of choral groups. In 1963 when the chorale from Seattle's sister city Kobe, Japan made an historic West Coast tour, Ingra ham HS was chosen to host the group during their stay. Wally formed the 52 voice "Ingraham HS Touring Choir" that same year, to make a return visit to Kobe. The choir sang 27 concerts in 13 cities on a one month tour of Japan in the summer of 1964. This pioneering effort was praised by the People to People Program and the U.S. State Department. In 1966 Wally was chosen to devel op the Music Dept. at the newly opened Seattle Community College. He was there for 22 years teaching music theory, piano, history, and voice as well as di recting the choral groups there. In his career of over 50 years di recting, Wally led the Seattle Chorale, Seattle Gilbert and Sulli van Society, The SVEA (Swedish Male Chorus) and founded the Collegian Choir and the Seattle Bach choir which still performs. Wally's many interests included boating, flying, antique car restoration, and traveling. He enjoyed many fundraising activi ties as a member of the Ballard High School Foundation. A Celebration of Wally's life will be held at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church, 7500 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, Saturday, November 5 at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at Butterworth Mortuary. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Wally's name to the Ballard High School Foundation or a charity of your choosing. Sign Wally's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.