Michael "Mike" Goecke

Mike was born in Tampa, Florida on July 19, 1952 to his parents, Richard Ream and Norma (Crates) Hess. He was raised on their family farm near Jenera, Ohio until the age of 12, when he moved to Northglenn, Colorado. He graduated from Northglenn High School and attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

He spent over 23 years in law enforcement. He worked with the Weld County Sheriff’s Office in Greeley, advancing to the rank of Lieutenant of Investigations. He also served as the Chief of Police in Ault, an Agent for the Montana Criminal Investigations Bureau in Billings and an Investigator for the University of Northern Colorado Police Department. During his time at the UNC Police Department, he received the Medal of Honor for his heroism and exemplary performance during a hostage crisis. He medically retired in 1997 after being injured in the line of duty.

During his early adulthood he was a Scoutmaster and a Cubmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont. He also held leadership positions with the Longmont High School Athletic Booster Club during the early 1990s and was the President of the Colorado Investigator’s Association of Campus Police for several years.

He enjoyed boating, fishing, playing the guitar, spending time with his family and making people laugh. He was considered a true prankster by many of his friends. He was also a huge Denver Broncos fan. He began and organized a yearly international gathering of Gibson Acoustic guitar enthusiasts which is held in Bozeman, Montana each summer.

He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Ream, his mother, Norma (Crates) Hess, and his brother, Dennis Goecke.

He is survived by his wife of forty years, Pat Goecke of Johnstown, five children, Jason Goecke (Suzette) of Frederick, CO, Jared Goecke (Jennifer) of Mead, CO, Stacia (Travis) Marcoux of Hawaii, Bryanna Goecke of California, and Michaela Richardson (Cody) of Greeley, CO, grandsons Henry Marcoux, Ivan Goecke, and Mason Simms, granddaughter, Ashtyn Goecke, sisters, Sheree Goecke (Maria) of Denver, Colorado, Shelly Taylor Thornbury (Jeff) of Carlsbad, California, Lori Taber and Lisa Achten both of Ohio; and brother, Sam Ream of Jenera, Ohio; as well as by a special uncle, Pastor Mark Crates (Pegi) of Colorado, and many nephews and nieces.

A Celebration of Life was held Monday, November 8, 2021 at 10:00am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont and Mike was laid to rest in a Committal Service at Johnstown Cemetery. The family would like to thank all of those that were able to attend. Contributions can be made to the Michael Goecke Memorial Fund at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Fond memories and condolences can be shared at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com for the Goecke Family.