Robert John Goebel

Lt. Col. Bob Goebel, USAF (ret), left this life surrounded by family on Sunday, February 20, at his home in Torrance, where he has resided for almost 50 years. Born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, he joins his loving wife, June (Meany) Goebel, also of Racine, who has been with the Lord since March 2006.

Col. Goebel joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 at the age of 19. As a young fighter pilot in WWII he was stationed in San Severo, Italy with the 308th Fighter Squadron, where he distinguished himself in combat flying the P-51 Mustang. He was credited with eleven victories, earning the status of "double ace," and was 21 years old at the end of his combat tour. After retiring from the military, Col. Goebel worked as a quality control engineer in the aerospace industry in California. In 2003 he was inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame. He is also the author of the book Mustang Ace.

Col. Goebel is survived by his nine children: son Gary of Maple Valley WA, daughter Suzanne Rechs of Grass Valley CA, son Robert Jr. of Seattle WA, daughter Patricia Arritt of Priest River ID, daughter Therese Silveria of Yuba City CA, daughter Thomasine Goebel of Long Beach CA, son Mark of Moreno Valley CA, son James of Torrance CA, and daughter Karen Satterlee of Auburn CA. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 24 at 1:00pm at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church, 1900 So. Prospect Ave in Redondo Beach.