Reuben Gocke

Reuben V. Gocke, age 80 of Waco, NE died Saturday, May 24, 2008 at Waco. Reuben was born September 7, 1927 in rural Waco to Erie and Marie (Naber) Gocke. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Waco. Reuben was united in marriage to Wilma E. Klepper on February 15, 1953 at St. John’s. Together they farmed in the Waco area for many years and to this union were three daughters: Gail, Joan, and Lori.

Reuben served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. While a lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, he held various offices. He enjoyed woodworking, working outdoors, collecting John Deere tractors, and being with his grandchildren.

Left in his memory are his three daughters: Gail (Steve) Maronde of Benedict, NE; Joan Gocke of Lincoln, NE; and Lori (Curt) Glass) of Lincoln; five grandchildren: Christopher (Bethany) Maronde of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Brian and Jeffrey Maronde of Benedict; and Jessica and Nicholas Glass of Lincoln. Also surviving is his sister Eileen Wiemer of Utica, NE; brothers-in-law: Milton (Bonnie) Klepper of Waco; Kenneth (Marilyn) Klepper) of Waco; and Allen (Alretta) Klepper of Utica; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife Wilma, brother Donald Gocke; brother-in-law Harold Wiemer; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Arlan (Darlene) Klepper.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Waco, with the Reverend Paul T. Kern officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.