Richard J. Goeden was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Monday, August 21, 2023. He was 88 years old.
He was born on November 19, 1934 and raised in Milwaukee by his parents, Florence (Gapinski) and Sherburn Goeden. After graduating from Rufus King High School in Milwaukee in January 1953, Richard matriculated at Marquette University. At Marquette, Richard met the love of his life, Barbara (‘Cookie’ to loved ones) Herbes. They were married in September 1956 and celebrated 65 years together before Barbara preceded him in death on March 10, 2022.
Richard’s studies at Marquette were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. armed forces. He served at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri from 1957 to 1959.
Richard returned to school at Marquette, and upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, took a job with Square D in Milwaukee. Promotions within Square D prompted Richard and Cookie to move with their 3 small children to Hoffman Estates, IL where they lived for 32 years. Richard was loyal to Square D for the entirety of his working career. Upon his retirement, he and Cookie returned to Wisconsin in 1996 and settled in Pewaukee.
Richard was an avid outdoorsman his whole life. He enjoyed fishing, hunting with his Labrador, Misty, and camping. He also indulged his creative side with painting, photography, woodworking and cooking. His pursuits were many and varied. From artful tying of fishing poles to making duck decoys to watercolor painting of nature to furniture building to matting and framing the many artistic prints he collected to creating chaos in Cookie’s kitchen with a new recipe for soup. He was always filled with ideas for a next project or creative expression.
Richard had an exuberance for life. He loved family gatherings. He especially loved casual every-day drop-ins and celebrations of every sort. He and Cookie made sure everyone and anyone felt welcome at their table. He loved travel. He and Cookie had some memorable trips with their daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and John Hough, who share that passion. He was a huge supporter of every endeavor undertaken by his children and grandchildren. Over the years, he would be found cheering enthusiastically from stands and sidelines and audiences whenever possible. His family always knew they had his steadfast support.
Richard is survived by his daughter Lynn (John Hough), daughter Kim (Matt Barr), son Eric (Susan) and three grandsons: David Barr, Gunnar Goeden and Travis Goeden; all of whom he was immensely proud.
A visitation starting at 3:00 PM followed by a Catholic Funeral Mass at 5:00 PM and Military salute will be held on Thursday, September 7th at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin.
In lieu of gifts, the family asks that donations be made to Nature Conservancy, an organization that was close to Richard and Cookie’s hearts.