Gary G Goeken

March 26, 1942 - April 13, 2018

Gary G. Goeken Jr. (76) lifetime Toppenish resident passed away on Friday April 13, 2018 at the Cottage in the Meadow. Gary was born in Toppenish to Gerhard and Elizabeth (Tanngeman) Goeken on March 26, 1942. He graduated from Toppenish High School in 1960 and married Barbara Knight in 1967. Gary and Barbara raised three children on the family homestead, where hard work and laughter were often found. Gary started working at the Toppenish Livestock Commission in 1989. What first started as a job became a place where Gary called a second home. Gary was a mentor to those new at the sales yard and enjoyed friendships with the cattlemen and ranchers throughout the Northwest. Gary will be remembered for his colorful language and expressions along with his keen sense of humor. He very much enjoyed his job as grandpa. He was a supporter of the CWJLS and the Central Washington State Fair. He was always willing to drop anything to help someone in need. Barbara passed away in 1992 and he married Althea Shelton in June 1993. Gary will be remembered as an eternal optimist. He is survived by his wife, Althea of Toppenish; Shawnie (Rick) Haas of Wapato and Shelley (Dale) Peterson of Toppenish; a son, Gary (Reinee) Goeken of Graham; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenny Goeken of Yakima. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Barbara. Visitation will be on Thursday April 19, 2018 from 3-7PM at Heggie's Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11AM at the Toppenish Livestock Commission with a horse drawn procession to Elmwood Cemetery west of Toppenish. Friends can send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com. Heggie's Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Central Washington Junior Livestock Show or Cottage in the Meadow.