Ralph H. Goebel

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Goebel, Ralph H. 94, of Edina, MN died peacefully at his home on October 4 after a 17-year courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born in Great Falls, Montana on June 22, 1923 to Martin W. and Mary M. Bareither Goebel. They and his sister, Doris Kroesch, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Ursula, brother-in-law Gerald Kroesch of Herscher, IL and nephews Lance (Gretchen) Kroesch of Austin, TX, Tom (Dureen) Schwegman of Brainerd, MN, John (Maggie) Schwegman of Bemidji and John Flynn of St. Cloud, MN and nieces Mary Ellen Hennen of St. Paul, MN, Margaret Ann Hennen of St. Paul, MN and Mary (Rob Courneya) Flynn of Rice, MN and numerous great nieces and nephews. Ralph earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Arts and Science with Highest Honors in Mathematics at the University of Illinois and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Illinois. He also earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Iowa and was a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and a Member of the Academy of Actuaries. He spent his working years at Northwestern National Life Insurance through its various name changes. He retired in 1985 and he and Ursula spent their time volunteering and traveling. He served in World War II in the European theater with the 69th Infantry Division in the Battle of the Bulge and the meeting of the Russians at the Elbe River where the Germans surrendered. He was an active member of the Fighting 69th Infantry Division Association and participated in many reunions and return trips to the area. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to either St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Edina, MN or Struthers Parkinson's Center in Golden Valley, MN. Ralph's funeral service will be 11:00am Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Edina. Visitation will be 1 hour prior at the church. Burial will take place at Lakewood Cemetery with military rites. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on October 11, 2017