John B. Goeken

John B. Goeken, 92, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 6:25 am at Pekin Manor. 

John B. Goeken Jr. was born in San Jose on May 27, 1930, the only son of John B. Goeken, Sr. and Mary M. (Dick) Goeken.  He married Miriam L. Clauser in Green Valley on October 4, 1953, and she survives. 

In addition to his loving wife of 69 years, John is survived by their children, Vicki A. Larimore of Pekin, Curtis J. (Kathy) Goeken of Green Valley, J. Mark (Cindy) Goeken of Green Valley, Amy L. Goeken of Peoria, and Eric D. (Janeie) Goeken of Pekin; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; one brother-in-law, Marlowe D. Clauser of Rio Rancho, NM; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his three sisters, Ada M. Litwiller, Mary Beth Watts, and Verla B. Goeken. 

John graduated from Green Valley High School in 1948.  After graduation, John continued  farming with his dad on the family farm, until he was inducted into the army in March 1951 and served in Germany in the Artillery Division, attaining the rank of Corporal, until his discharge in February 1953. 

Shortly after John was discharged from the Army, he began his own farming operation.  He was first and foremost a grain farmer, but during his early years, he also raised hogs, sheep, chickens, and dairy cattle.  He farmed wherever there was an opportunity.  Throughout his career, he farmed in Williamsville, Mackinaw, Green Valley, Emden, Middletown, Delavan, and Pekin for the Adwell Corporation and also in Iowa.  He retired from farming in 1995 and moved off the family farm.  However, he continued to keep his feet “planted” back at the farm during the busy planting and harvest seasons, helping his oldest son, Curt, farm the very same farmland that he once farmed. 

When John wasn’t farming, he could usually be found watching his children’s and later his grandchildren’s sporting events, as well as their chorus and band concerts, “warming the bleachers” for approximately 40 years. 

He was a life-long Cardinal fan and an Illini Basketball fan.  He was an avid bowler, who continued bowling into his mid 70’s. 

He was active within his community, serving on the Green Valley Grade School Board, the Green Valley Volunteer Fire Department, the Green Valley Cemetery Association, a member of the Delavan American Legion, served as an Elder at Valley Chapel in Green Valley, and was a member of Pekin Bible Church. 

John was an avid fisherman who looked forward to taking his family on their annual fishing vacation in Minnesota. 

His funeral will be at 11:00 am Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Pekin Bible Church.  Pastor Chad Nightingale will officiate.  Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:45 am Saturday at the church.  A graveside service with military honors will be at 2:00 pm Saturday at Green Valley Cemetery.  Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements. 

Memorials may be made to Pekin Bible Church. 

To express condolences online visit www.davisoswaldfh.com.  

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