James Goecke

James Goecke, 87, Bismarck, died June 18, 2017, at CHI St. Alexius Health, Bismarck. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, June 30, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Dennis Sailer officiating. There will be no visitation, cremation has taken place. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. James was born in Pelican Rapids Minnesota on December 30th, 1929 to Roy and Hazel (Anderson) Goecke. He graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1948 where he was active in basketball and football. He also served on the annual staff where he honed his artistic skills. He was the organizer and president of the “11:45 Club” where he polished his dancing technique doing the jitterbug. James met his future bride, Sheila Campbell when she was on a summer vacation visiting her grandparents in Pelican Rapids. They were married in Bismarck on July 2nd, 1950. Fargo became their new home where they were blessed with four sons, Steve, Brad, Scott, all of Bismarck and Brian of St. Lewis Park, Minnesota. Jim was employed with Fairmont Foods, Moorhead, Minnesota for ten years as a production manager. He decided to try his hand at another career in the insurance field before accepting a position with Osco Drug in Fargo. There he found his niche. This took his family to Minot, North Dakota and finally to Bismarck. Spending 32 years with the company, but after retiring he rested for a few years then worked for Capital RV and then Wal-Mart Stores until his health caused him to take a pause. The family enjoyed picnics and spending many weekends at the Goecke family log cabin on Lake Franklin, camping and traveling. In retirement James and Sheila enjoyed a motorhome, traveling and making many friends. Jim used his artistic talent to present family and friends with beautifully hand-carved Scandinavian Dala horses and folklore. James is survived by his spouse of nearly 67 years, Sheila; and his sons, Steve (Michaella), Brad (Angie), Brian (Suzanne), and Scott; grandchildren, Mitchell (Nicole) Goecke, Thai Lei (Justin) Haggin, Jade (Toby) Gross, Brandy Richau, Autumn Goecke, Jenna Goecke; step-grandchildren, Michael (Marie) Grindle, and Maria (Seth) Moraniec; great-grandchildren, Cole and Chase Goecke, Aeriana and Kyen Haggin, Taye and Asiah Gross, Hunter Goecke, Shaylee Richau, Kinsley Lindteigen; step-great grandchildren Sylvia and Collette Grindle; one sister in law, Ruth Goecke of Osakis, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; grand-parents; one sister; and two brothers.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Central Dakota Humane Society,  2104 37th St, Mandan, ND 58554.