It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Garen Ray Goebel, who left this world peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Gardenside Long-Term Care, with his family by his side after a brief time in hospice. He was 80 years old.

Garen was born on November 5, 1944, in San Diego, California, to Luther and Bernice Goebel. Raised on a farm, Garen developed a deep love for the land and the hard work that came with it—a passion that would carry him throughout his life. After graduating from Mahaska High School in 1962, where he excelled in band, football, basketball, track, and was an active member of the Glee Club and Class Play, Garen went on to pursue a college degree in business at Fairbury College in Nebraska.

Upon graduating, Garen worked at Scherbarth, where he formed lasting friendships and took memorable trips. In 1982, he took a leap of faith and founded Goebel Construction, which he operated with his wife, Judy, until their retirement in 2014. While construction was his profession, farming remained his true passion. In 1988, Garen began raising cattle and farming, a pursuit he would continue until his final days.

Garen’s life was further enriched by his love and devotion to his family. He married Thyran "Kay" Pavlicek on August 29, 1964, and they had one son, Brice Edward Goebel. They later divorced in 1971. In 1990, Garen married the love of his life, Judy Ann Herren. Judy brought into their marriage her daughter, Kathryn Ann Rhoades (Davis), and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures.

Garen was a man of strength, character, and warmth. He was a passionate, hard-working individual who loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. Whether he was farming, fishing, or telling a good story, Garen found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was especially fond of his beloved John Deere equipment—so much so that he and Judy created a full basement living room, John Deere themed, complete with green colored carpet, a testament to his love for all things green and yellow.

Garen will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His legacy lives on through his family, whom he loved dearly. Garen is survived by his loving wife, Judy; Dog, Murphey, his son, Brice Goebel (Valerie); his daughter, Kathryn “Katie” Davis (Chris); his sister, Shareen Baxter; his brother, Rellen Goebel; his grandchildren, Alicia Ferris (Colby), Tashawni Creek (Preston), Kable Davis (Diane), Dylan Goebel, and Kaitlyn Goebel; his great-grandchildren, Corbin Slater, Jack Wallen, Knox Ferris, Andi Creek, Hendrix Davis, Archibald Ferris, and Veda Creek (lovingly expected). Nephew Clint Baxter; Brother in Law Phil Herren (Irene) & Nephews Chad Herren (Keri) Kerrie Herren (Lisa) Special friends Luke, Faith & Becca

He is preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Bernice Goebel; his grandparents, his nephew, Rodney Baxter; and his in-laws, Arley Boley, Evelyn Boley, and Kenneth Baxter.

An intimate memorial service will be held to celebrate Garen’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to charity of the family's choice.

Garen will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Services will be Saturday April 26, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury. The family will greet friends Friday evening from 5 - 7 at the funeral home. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.