John R. Goodenberger

John R. Goodenberger passed away Sunday, July 17, 2016 at his home near McCook.  He was 87.

John was born August 20, 1928, in McCook, Nebraska to Bert and Grace (Nelson) Goodenberger.  He graduated from McCook High School in 1945 and from McCook Junior College in 1947.

John served in the Army with the 24th Infantry Division Signal Co. as a “three ninety-nine” radio operator in Korea and Japan in 1951 and 1952.  He was honorably discharged in August 1952 and later became a life member of the VFW.

John returned to college under the G.I. Bill at Colorado A & M (now Colorado State University) in Fort Collins, where he met his future wife, Phyllis Jean Hicks.  They were married in Denver, Colorado, on December 28, 1954.  Five children were born to this union: Gene, Debra, Jon Jay, Gere and Linda.

John farmed all his life, beginning with his father and brothers and finally with his son Gene.

Preceding John in death were his parents; son, Jon Jay; brothers, Gilbert, Marvin and Wayne Goodenberger; and sisters, Della Warner and Geneva Rouse.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; children, Gene (Deborah) Goodenberger, Debra Goodenberger, both of McCook, Gere (Karen) Goodenberger of Claremore, OK and Linda (Larry) Bos of Raymond, NE; brother, Phillip (Marilyn) Goodenberger of McCook and sister, Phyllis (Don) Davis of Carr, CO; grandchildren, Wade (McKinsey) Goodenberger and daughter, Edith of Rochester, MN, Carli (Ross) Oberg and children Huntley, Gentry and Griffin of Minden, NE, Hannah Goodenberger of McCook; Sarah, Leah, Rachel and Leslie Bos of Raymond, NE, John Goodenberger of Claremore, OK and step-grandchildren, Jason Blevins of Tulsa, OK and Jessica (Mike) Allen and daughters, Haylie and Kaitlyn of Broken Arrow, OK.

Private family services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his name to the American Cancer Society or to the charity of one’s choice.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.