Victor Herbert Goerke

It is with great sadness that the family of Victor Goerke announces his passing on Friday, December 1, 2023 at the age of 85. Vic was born to Theodore and Clara Goerke on November 14, 1938. He grew up with his 6 siblings on a farm in Chatham Township, Wright County, Minnesota. His parents grounded him in a firm Christian foundation. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middleville, Minnesota. He graduated from Maple Lake High School in 1956. Growing up on a farm taught Vic the value of hard work. His strong work ethic saw him through the many experiences and challenges in his life.When he was 18 years old he and two of his buddies enlisted in the United States Air Force.

After completing Basic Military Training in San Antonio, Texas Victor was sent to Wichita Falls to be trained as an Electrician. His first tour of duty was at Thule Air Force Base in Greenland. He often spoke of the trials of living at this isolated Air Force Base. His area of expertise was working as an Electrician he also worked with missiles at Thule AFB and at his second tour of duty McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas. It was there that he met his beautiful bride and soulmate Aleda Mannebach. They were married on April 15, 1961. The couple was blessed with three children while living in Kansas. Then Vic was sent to Ubon Thailand for a year where he served during the Vietnam War. He worked as an Intelligence Analyst during Operation Rolling Thunder.

Victor's next tour brought the family to Seymore Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina where he thrived in his work as an Intelligence Analyst. The family was surprised to learn that Victor's next tour of duty would take them to Incirlik AFB in Adana, Turkey. Living in Turkey provided a great deal of challenges and adventures. Vic and Lettie worked hard to meet the challenges together. They taught their children to embrace the adventure of living in the Middle East.

His final tour of duty brought the family to Eglin AFB in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Where Vic continued working in Intelligence specializing with Sensors.

Vic and Lettie loved their time traveling but when Victor retired from the Air Force in 1977 they welcomed the opportunity to live closer to family. They moved to Winfield, Kansas where Vic worked as a Supervisor for Greif Brothers. While living in Winfield Lettie re-joined the work force. They moved to Wichita 6 years later where Lettie continued to pursue her career as a Fraud Investigator and Vic worked for Wichita State University in the Electrical Shop.

Vic retired from WSU in 2003, he continued to keep active with many volunteer pursuits and hobbies.

He was an active member of Ascension Lutheran Church since 1984. At Ascension, he served in a variety of roles. He faithfully ushered and helped prepare and serve Wednesday night meals. He was always willing to serve with a smile in any capacity needed.

Vic was very patriotic and loved his country. He was proud to be a Vietnam Veteran, and spent many years promoting and volunteering for the Kansas Honor Flight. He was devoted to helping the Honor Flight by fundraising and welcoming the heroes back home. He was thrilled to be chosen to go on an Honor Flight himself. This experience was very moving and humbling to Victor and to many of the Veterans that have had the privilege to go on an Honor Flight. Vic was also chosen to be interviewed by a local Television Station to help promote the Honor Flight and their commitment to helping Veterans.

Vic was an avid gardener. He found much joy and solace in the garden. He continued gardening his entire life. He served as a Master Gardener with the Sedgwick County Extension office for over 21 years. He also became a Master Composter.

He was a Charter Member of the Northwest Lions Club, where he volunteered and served in many humanitarian services. He especially enjoyed working and serving at the pancake fundraisers. Vic was a great neighbor and friend. He was always willing to help with neighborhood events. Whether it was a block party or taking a neighbor to a doctors appointment. He lovingly took care of his wife Lettie in her final years.

Vic's greatest joy was to to be around his grandchildren and great grandchildren.We will never forget the annual Thanksgiving trips to Prairie Pines to pick out a Christmas tree.

Preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Clara Goerke; his loving wife, Aleda; and siblings Reinhardt (Delores), Theodore, Ervin (Sadie), Arnold (Ruth) and Kerry Leahy.

Victor will be lovingly remembered by his children Robert (Leah), Rhonda (Jack) Lombardo and Roger (Terry), and his grandchildren John (Christine), Ashley (Jeb) Sharp, Katy, Alex, Brandon (Rachel) Lombardo and Brock (Lauren) Lombardo along with his great grandchildren, Joseph, Edith, Olivia, Lucy, Monica, Bennett and Gwendolyn. He is also survived by his Sister-in-Law Gladys; Sisters, Evelyn Leahy and Ruth (Donald) Woolhouse.

Visitation with family present will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. US-54 Highway, Wichita. Funeral Service will be held 10:30 AM on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 842 N. Tyler Road, Wichita. Interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, in the Garden of Gospels, with Air Force Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be designated in Victor's name to: Ascension Lutheran Church, 842 N. Tyler Road, Wichita, Kansas 67212 or to Kansas Honor Flight, 401 W. 1st St. Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67501.