Donald Herbert Goede, Sr. passed away peacefully in his home in Colorado Springs on April 12, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on June 13, 1923 in Edgerton, Wisconsin and was raised by restaurateurs learning a strong work ethic at young age. After taking trumpet lessons he embarked on a short-lived music career playing and recording with renowned musicians Jack Teagarden, Les Brown, and Artie Shaw before he joined the military in June of 1942.
His exploits flying B24s during WWII were so exciting a book of his adventures was published in 2004 entitled “I Remember: Memories of Life and War”. His eventual landing in Colorado Springs which was due to his expertise in early warning systems and the opening of N.O.R.A.D, where he started the annual tracking of Santa.
After his retirement from the Air Force, Don and his wife, Gloria founded and owned Skyway Creations, established in 1970. Their lives always revolved around dogs including; Happy, High Boots, Jetson, Luke, Starr and Lady Bug. They spent many weekends at their Goede’s Get-away, a beautiful cabin they built outside of Cripple Creek.
Don and Gloria had three children, Don Jr., Janis, and Herbert, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They are preceded in passing by their parents, siblings, and one grandchild.
Special thanks to those who helped make sure they were well cared for in their final years.
Services for Gloria J. Goede and Colonel Donald Herbert Goede, Sr, will be at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at Swan Law Funeral Home followed by a private military burial at Pikes Peak National Cemetery.
