Felix Goebel-Komala Obituary

GOEBEL-KOMALA
Felix
Felix Goebel-Komala, son of the late Joseph Padang Sastrono Komala and Kathleen Klin Pualam, passed away peacefully in his home from cancer and a stroke on November 2, 2016 at 8:58 p.m. in Findlay, Ohio. Felix was born May 11, 1961 in Hong Kong and attended La Salle College in Hong Kong. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Iowa in 1983, and served in music ministry at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes, MN, St. Francis Catholic Church in Moorhead, MN, and St. Philip the Apostle Church in Bakersfield, CA before coming to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in 1995 as Director of Liturgy and Music.
Felix was united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Goebel-Komala, whom he met in 1986 in Moorhead, MN, and they were married on June 14, 1987. In December 2005, they adopted a daughter, Felicity, from the Jianxin Orphanage in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China.
Felix was passionate about music - listening, playing, composing, performing and mentoring young musicians. Among the many compositions he created, including several hymns and Psalm settings, he is most known for his signature piece entitled “Psalm of Hope,” which is published by GIA Publications, and is sung during Masses in many Catholic parishes throughout the United States.
Additionally, Felix was an active member of the Toledo Diocesan Liturgical Commission for many years, as well as the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and the American Guild of Organists. His knowledge of both music and Catholic worship was appreciated by many, and his expertise was highly valued.
Felix also enjoyed regular visits with family members and friends in his native Hong Kong, and he displayed his affection for his native land and its culture by the clothing he wore and the food he enjoyed.
Additionally, Felix was actively involved in the Women's Resource Center of Hancock County, and was an avid tennis player.
Felix is survived by his wife of 29 years, Mary, and their daughter, Felicity; his mother, Kathleen Klin Pualam, and sisters, Sussy Komala, Wilma Komala and Merly Khouw.
Felix's body will be received at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 750 Bright Road, at 1:00 p.m. EST on Monday, November 7. Visitation will follow a brief liturgical service, and will continue until 8:00 p.m., at which time a Scripture service will be celebrated. On Tuesday, November 8, visitation will resume at 9:00 am, and will continue until 10:00 am EST, at which time the Mass of Christian Burial will begin with Monsignor Michael Hohenbrink presiding. The Mass will be live-streamed on St. Michael the Archangel Parish's website:
www.findlaystmichael.org
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Women's Resource Center of Hancock County, 1011 North Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840 (419-424-9948) or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home.
As published in The Blade

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Published by The Blade on Nov. 5, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Felix Goebel-Komala

6 Entries

Karen Schloss

December 11, 2017

It was over a year before my family and I learned of Felix's passing. Everyone was heartbroken. What a dear friend he was. I met him in college at the University of Iowa in 1981 and we stayed friends all these years. The last time I talked to him, Felicity was growing and he and Mary were happy in their careers. I am so sorry for the loss to his family and friends. Farewell, Felix. I will never forget you.

Debbie Kumpel

November 10, 2016

Dear Mary and Felicity,
I am so sorry for your loss. Felix was a friend and mentor. He brought a great sense of family with our regular coffee hour between Sunday morning Masses. He made singing at 7am Mass a delight! His Spirit lives on in all those who have ever worked with him. I can still hear his wonderful laugh. He will be missed.
Debbie Kumpel

Terry Brassell

November 6, 2016

I express my thoughts and prayers to the family at this tragic loss. Felix was one of the most talented and gentle people that I had ever met. We worked together tirelessly on designing and implementing the new organ into the liturgy at the new St. Michael Church. He was always soft spoken, even if I knew he had a definitive opinion about a musical matter. There will never be another Felix. I am sure that we will all treasure the time that we had with him.
May God Bless.

Kathleen Sack

November 6, 2016

I am so grateful for all the memories I have of Felix. I will never forget his unrelenting sense of humor. He was a pleasure to work with. Socially, he and Mary were great fun and I will treasure the adventures we shared. Mary, you and Felicity are in my prayers.

Neil Gottheil

November 5, 2016

Dear Mary and Felicity,

I am so sorry for your loss. Mary, it has been many years since graduate school but I still have such fond memories of both of you. Felix was such a special human being like you and I am just heart broken to hear of his passing. Way too soon! My thoughts and prayers are with you and Felicity at this very difficult time.

Neil Gottheil [email protected]

Msgr. Perry Kavookjian

November 4, 2016

Felix was one of the more talented liturgical musicians with whom I've had the pleasure of working. His creative spirit was always exploring new ways of enhancing the worship experience of the people. He had a wonderfully playful personality and sense of humor. I am saddened by his early departure but know he is enjoying a new adventure in the Kingdom of God. My prayers go out to Mary and the family.

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