Aleda "Lettie" Goerke

Goerke, Aleda “Lettie” Marie (Mannebach) It is with great sadness that the family of Lettie Goerke announces her passing on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at the age of 83. Lettie was born to Albert and Martha Mannebach on July 8, 1939 and grew up with 6 siblings on a farm near Colwich, Kansas. She graduated from Maize High School in 1958. While attending St. Frances Nursing School she met and married Victor Goerke an Airman stationed at McConnell AFB.

Lettie was very patriotic and proud to be the wife of a service man. She welcomed the travel and adventure that military life offered. Even when that adventure took her to Adana, Turkey. Amid power outages, rabies shots, transit quarters and a general lack of conveniences Lettie had the unique gift of seeing the positive side of every situation. She was a phenomenal hostess, welcoming family and friends to visit in whatever place they were stationed. She even welcomed the American Ambassador to Turkey into their home. She was a dedicated and loving mother, instilling the love of travel and adventure into her three children.

Once Vic and Lettie retired from the Air Force in 1977, Lettie entered the workforce. She started a job working as a in-home caregiver for Social and Rehabilitation Services. She quickly moved up in her career to Homemaker Supervisor then to Case Manager and ultimately to Fraud Investigator. While working full-time she completed her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Butler County Community College. She was the consummate Fraud Investigator as in her own words she often said “no one ever suspects a sweet little old lady to be investigating fraud”.

Lettie retired as a Fraud Investigator in 2001. She kept active with many volunteer pursuits and hobbies.

She was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church since 1984. At Ascension she served in a variety of roles including Greeter, Stephen Minister and child care provider. She also was a member of the LWML and helped prepare and serve Wednesday night meals. She was always willing to serve with a smile in any capacity needed.

Lettie found so much joy working in the garden. She served as a Master Gardener with the Sedgwick County Extension office for over 21 years. She also became a Master Composter. She loved going to schools and teaching the importance of gardening and composting to young students.

She was also a Charter Member of the Northwest Lions Club, where she volunteered and served in many humanitarian services.

Lettie was always delighted to be around her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She worked tirelessly to make their family get-togethers' full of fun activities such as playing games and making crafts and cooking together. We will never forget the annual Thanksgiving trips to Prairie Pines to pick out a Christmas tree. She loved cooking and making elaborate meals for her family especially at the holidays.

Lettie will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years,Victor and her children: Robert (Leah), Rhonda (Jack) Lombardo and Roger (Terry); her grandchildren: John, Ashley, Katy, Alex, Brandon and Brock; along with her great grandchildren: Joseph, Edith, Olivia, Lucy, Monica, Bennett and Gwendolyn.

She will also be remembered by her loving siblings: Nila Parker, Glenn Mannebach and Dale (Kate) Mannebach.

Preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Martha Mannebach and siblings: Bonnie Kuhn, Marilyn (Shorty) Waggonner, Laura (Al) Mohr, and Jim Parker.

A visitation for Aleda will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. A funeral service will occur Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Ascension Lutheran Church, 842 N Tyler Rd, Wichita, KS 67212. A graveside service will occur at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, Garden of Gospels, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209. Livestream available at YouTube.com - Ascension Lutheran Church, Wichita, KS.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Aleda's memory may be made to Ascension Lutheran Church, 842 N. Tyler, Wichita, Kansas 67212, Phoenix Home Care and Hospice, 3450 N. Rock Rd., Bldg. #200, Ste 213, Wichita, Kansas 67226 or to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Phoenix Hospice for taking good care and comforting Lettie during her last days.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Goerke family.