David E. Goeske's Obituary
David Edwin Goeske, aged 53, of Waupaca, Wisconsin, passed into the arms of his Lord on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Born on July 23, 1970, in Waukegan, Illinois, David's journey through life was marked by faith, perseverance, and the love of his family and friends. From his early days as a vibrant, bleach-blonde boy who stuttered and battled severe asthma, David’s resilience was evident. Miraculously overcoming life-threatening challenges from as young as eight months, he grew into a steadfast believer in Christ. His faith was a constant companion, guiding him through both trials and triumphs.
David's dedication to his faith and service in the church began in his youth at Calvary Temple where he utilized his technical skills as a sound technician and was actively involved in the Royal Rangers and youth group. He participated in the first of several mission-service trips while still in high school. A pivotal moment came during his senior year of high school when he felt a divine call to ministry, leading him to attend North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, instead of pursuing a career in sound engineering. It was there that David's life took a joyful turn when he met Tina Held. Their courtship led to a marriage proposal on the roof of Calvary Temple during a Christmas production, and they married in August 1990. David became an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, and together with his wife, he embarked on a journey of faith and service across several states, touching lives in every community they joined.
David and Tina faced challenges, particularly in their desire to start a family. After years of waiting and exploring various paths, God blessed them with their son Simon in 2001 and daughter Lauren in 2004. David was tech-savvy and his career transitioned smoothly into Information Technology, where he found success and satisfaction. He particularly enjoyed serving as a school board president and church board member. He had learned carpentry from his father Dennis, who passed away just over a year ago, and enjoyed tackling many remodeling projects with him over the years. David was an adventurer at heart; he loved biking, rock climbing, camping, snowboarding, sailing, and traveling. His humor and helpfulness made him a cherished figure, always ready to lend a hand or share a laugh.
In 2017, David began experiencing health challenges and received a diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy in 2020. Despite the progressive nature of the disease, he continued to embrace life, even volunteering his time at the Agape Help Center. He cherished his time with his family and maintained his humor and strength until the end.
David passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, faith, and a profound commitment to his loved ones and community. David will be deeply missed by his wife Tina, children Simon and Lauren, mother Sharon Goeske, sister Beth (and Michael) King and their children Chloe, Amelia and Emerson, and extended family along with a multitude of friends.
A celebration of David's life will be held on May 3, 2024, at 11:00 am at Victory Church in Waupaca, WI. The event will include a time to remember and honor David's wonderful life, with lunch served afterward. Guests are encouraged to wear bright and colorful clothing, reflecting David's wish for a celebration rather than a somber occasion.
David's commitment to helping others extended beyond his life, as he chose to donate his brain to the Mayo Clinic for MSA research, facilitated by the Brain Support Network. In memory of David, the family requests charitable contributions to the Brain Support Network, PO Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026, or through their website at www.brainsupportnetwork.org.
David's life was a testament to the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit. He will be remembered as a dreamer, a visionary, an adventurer, a leader, an encourager, and a cherished friend. His journey on earth may have ended, but his story continues in the hearts of those he touched.
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