She is survived by children Marilyn (Fritz), Steve (René), Terry (Janet), Greg, 3 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Bob in 2014. Harriet was the last remaining member of her generation of the Parker family.
Harriet was born in 1926 on a homestead near Amber, Washington. Although a child of the Depression, she had many good memories of her early life and her loving family. After high school, near the end of WWII, she joined the US Cadet Nurse Corps and graduated from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in 1947. That same year, she married Bob Goebel whom she met when he rented a room from her parents. She practiced nursing for a short time, but the arrival of four little Goebels in five years halted her career, although she became the go-to person for the bumps and bruises of the younger generation in the LaCrosse-Rockwell neighborhood. Harriet also well known in the neighborhood for her snickerdoodles. She was always there for her children.
In 1962, Harriet and Bob started Goebel Construction Company in the basement of their home. Bob bid and supervised the construction jobs, and Harriet managed the office -- and four teenagers. As the company grew, she gradually withdrew from office work and turned her energy towards volunteer activities with, among others, United Way, Salvation Army, and the Red Cross. She liked to travel, but her favorite place in the world was the family's second home at Talache on Lake Pend Oreille.
At the age of 70, Harriet was finally blessed with grandchildren, after giving up all hope. She was Bob's constant companion the last five years of his life, and his passing left a big hole in her heart, even though she tried hard to be positive about life's ups and downs.
Many thanks to the caring staff at Riverview Retirement Community and especially to Jessica and Mikaela for all their support. Her final resting place is Fairview Cemetery at Rockford next to Bob. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.
