✦ ✦ ✦
Gene (formal name-Eugene-in which he quickly abandoned growing up) C. (stands for Claude-also abandoned unless needed) Goerke passed from this world on March 28, 2021. The man was a walking medical miracle; out surviving his two sisters, Louise (older sister) and Yvonne (younger sister); his parents, of course and 3 out of 4 wives-the last being the final love of his life, Louise Kessel. He accomplished this by a lifelong habit of smoking, vodka cocktails and beer.\r\n\r\nGene was also father and step-father to 5 children, Elise (Lisa) Goerke Arnew (CA), Cheryl Ann Chafin (NV), Lori Jeane Esp (MT), Maxine Leibowitz (CA), Michael Leibowitz-deceased; 6 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren (and still counting).\r\n\r\nGene was born September 18, 1935 in San Francisco, California-by which made him ripe for enlistment in the U.S Navy and Navy Reserves. \r\n\r\nOnce relieved of his duties, he enrolled in Carpenter School and began his apprenticeship as a carpenter which became his career most of his life. He often told how he worked on the once tallest building in San Francisco, the Bank of America Building, now dwarfed by others since built.\r\n\r\nGene loved his weekends with golf buddies and became hooked on the sport throughout his life. But he also tried his hand at Archery before, and then after, owned a horse named April. April and Gene had a very special relationship going on weekend trail rides with a fellow casual horseman. No one else could ride this horse but Gene and she whinnied for him whenever he came out to the barn.\r\n\r\nGene was a great support to daughters, Lisa and Cheryl, during their FFA Project years in high school; shepherding them to the county fair with both sheep and a steer. Gene also loves to work with wood, building decks, small wood craft projects, painting (with the soft guidance of Bob Ross) and leathercraft. Leisurely reading with a keen interest in history and science. But dont ever come near him with a snake-I, his daughter, learned that one quickly with a garter snake.\r\n\r\nThe family wishes to acknowledge with deepest gratitude to Alamo Hospice and Supportive Care and Veterans Affairs for ALL that they do. Gene was able to pass peacefully in his own home by his own wishes. In addition, we want to express our sincere gratitude to his neighbors and friends in his hood that were there to listen to his stories, hear his grumblings, and patiently assist with his needs as he became less able. Truly a community of love and compassion.\r\n\r\nGene will be laid to rest with Louise at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas on May 19th, 2021.