Joe Alan Goodenberger

Joe Alan Goodenberger, age 51 of rural Culbertson died on Monday, November 12 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. Joe was born on May 15, 1961 to Gilbert and Margaret (Ruf) Goodenberger in McCook, Nebraska. Joe attended schools in Stratton, Republican Valley, and McCook where he graduated in 1979. He attended Mid-Plains Community College where he majored and received his automotive technology degree.

At the time of his death, he was employed by Van Diest Supply Company where he worked as an assistant manager in McCook.

On July 17, 1997 he married Shari J. Pinkal. In this union, two families were joined, consisting of seven children.

Joe was a member of the First Congregational Church in McCook where he served on the Board of Trustees, as an usher, a Sunday School teacher, and helping out with youth group. Every Sunday, you could count on seeing Joe outside the church assisting the elderly into the sanctuary and then again assisting them at the end of the service. He always carried an abundant supply of candy; Smarties for the little ones and mints for the older children. He delighted in dressing up as Santa for the children following the Christmas program. Joe enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson with his wife, Shari. He affectionately called his Harley, "Stefani". He also enjoyed going to auctions, garage sales, on junk jaunts, and spending time at the lake. He loved working outside and you could often find him tinkering in his shop. Joe had a passion and love for children and people in general.

He was preceded in death by his father. His survivors include his wife, Shari; his children: daughters, Chach (Chandra) Monzon and friend, Corey Gross of Lincoln, Nebraska; Shaelin Monzon Stiver and husband Douglas of McCook, Nebraska; Amber Goodenberger and friend Bryan of Bellevue, Nebraska; Andrea Goodenberger and friend David Bell of Bellevue, Nebraska; Kayla Goodenberger of McCook, Nebraska; Sons: Joe Goodenberger Jr and wife Heather of Milton, Wisconsin; Skyler Monzon and friend Kayleigh Cartmill of Lincoln, Nebraska; his mother, Margaret Hunter; brother, Steve Goodenberger and wife Shaunna of McCook; sisters: Rita Davis of Fort Collins, Colorado; Gail Best and husband, Bryon of McCook, Nebraska; 13 grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, special family friend Chase Pierson of McCook, Nebraska and many other friends and family.

Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational Church Youth Programs in care of the First Congregational Church 212 East E St. McCook, NE 69001.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 15, 2012 from 1 to 8 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

Funeral services will be held Friday, November 16, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in McCook, NE. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.