Ralph H. Goedken

RALPH GOEDKEN ALAMO - Ralph Goedken left this world to be with Our Lord on Sunday, August 19, 2012 in McAllen, Texas. He was born on the family farm in Eastern Iowa on September 26, 1921. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ida Goedken. The farm has been in the family for 6 generations. Ralph joined the U.S. Air Force in 1942 during WWII and was stationed in Mission, Texas which introduced him to the Rio Grande Valley which would later become his permanent home. During his time in service, he was a crew chief for the B-24 Heavy Bombers. Ralph was an early pioneer in flying, had his first plane on the farm, and gave many, many rides to friends and neighbors. He married Ruth Henry in 1959 and he and her two children moved to McAllen to raise the family. He was involved in several work related endeavors while ending his working career at Reynolds Manufacturing. Ralph continued his love of flying at every opportunity. After Ruth passed away, he met and married Carol Dibrell and enjoyed their retirement years at Alamo Country Club with many friends they met while attending the senior dances. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Goedken; his siblings, Sister Mary Ivan Goedken, Fred Goedken, and Mildred (John) Reiter; his children, Dick (Jean) Henry, Jeannie Henry Braden; his grandchildren, Scott (Judith) Henry, Kelley (Marco) Arredondo, Sean (Jennifer) Braden, Nathan (Heather) Braden; along with 4 great-grandchildren, Ryan Henry, Coy Conner Braden, Alisha Rayanne Braden, and Ericka Riley Braden; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 21st from 5pm to 7pm with a rosary being recited for the repose of his soul at 7pm. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, August 22nd at 10:30am at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in McAllen, Texas followed by his internment at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 93 of Mission, Texas. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.