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Wilbert Clayton ‘Willy’ Goebel

Sept. 23, 1941 – April 8, 2019

Wilbert Clayton “Willy” Goebel, 77 of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was born on Sept. 23, 1941, in Lehr, N.D., to Philip Goebel and Delores (Schlect) Goebel. He passed away on Monday, April 8, 2019, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, with his beloved wife of 58 years by his side.

Willy grew up in Lehr, where he attended school until 8th grade, before he went to work on farms to help his family. On April 7, 1961, Willy married Eleanor Kathryn Haak in Wishek, N.D. The two met at the Union Stock Yard in Fargo, N.D. They lived in Pinehurst, Idaho, from 1961 to 1986. While in Pinehurst, Willy worked at Bunker Hill as a miner for 20 years. In 1986, Willy and Elly moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Willy worked at A&M Hardware as a welder for another 20 years. While working full-time, Willy also did lawn-care on the side.

Willy taught his family integrity, commitment and the value of hard work, doing whatever necessary to provide for his family. Willy was a man of few words, instead, showing everyone his love through his actions. But when he did speak, his words were carefully chosen and full of whit. A kind and selfless man, it was often said that Willy would give you the shirt off his back.

Willy enjoyed being active and was always on the go. When Willy wasn’t working, his hobbies included hunting, camping, ice fishing, gardening at home, working on family and friends’ cars, raising chickens and selling their eggs and playing games (Farkel, Cribbage, Monopoly, Sorry, and Dominos are a few of his favorites).

Wilbert is survived by his wife, Eleanor Goebel; son, Dale (Diane) of Athol, Idaho; daughters, Nancy (Randy) Howard of Hayden, Idaho, Pamela Smith of Coeur d’Alene and Suzanne Adkinson of Post Falls, Idaho; brothers, Darvin Gobel of Wishek and Gary (Deb) Goebel of Wishek; sisters, Shirley (Lawrence) Riley of Black Hawk, S.D., Ruby Stevahn of Jamestown, N.D., Lyla Kaesman of Bismark, N.D., Sharon Wuolle of Fargo and Linda Gahner of Fargo; along with numerous nieces and nephews, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Wilbert is preceded in death by his parents, Philip Goebel and Delores (Schlect) Goebel and his sister, Della Stoebner.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 15, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Lake City Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

Donations in honor of Wilbert may be directed to Hospice of North Idaho.