Thomas Goeman

Thomas R. Goeman, age 81, of Raymond, died Saturday, May 30, at Bethesda Heritage Center Nursing Home in Willmar.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Raymond. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at St. John's Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. Memorials are preferred to the Bethesda Foundation or St. John's Lutheran Church.

Thomas Richard Goeman was born September 26, 1927, in Chippewa County, near Clara City, the son of Henry and Tillie (Haats) Goeman. He was baptized at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. He attended country school and began first grade speaking only German so he truly was an ESL (English as a second language) student. He later attended Raymond High School, graduating in 1947.
On June 24, 1949, Thomas married Marilyn Jean Wegner at St. John's Lutheran Church in Raymond. Two children were blessed to this union. They all have very strong roots in the Raymond community. Tom owned and operated Goeman Oil. He never retired and enjoyed working in the family business. It was a privilege for Tom to work with his son, Dan, who has taken over the business.
Tom served as an advisor and President of the Raymond Civic and Commerce. He also served as a volunteer fireman on Raymond Fire Department for 35 years, as an EMT on Raymond Ambulance Service for 20 years, on the School Board and drove bus for many years. He was an active Lions member and received the Melvin Jones Award. Tom was a Director of the Farmer's State Bank. The city of Raymond Celebrated Tom Goeman Day by Proclamation of the Mayor. Tom also sponsored the Goeman Oilers Softball team which went to Nationals in 1985. In 2000, he received the award for Kandiyohi County Outstanding Senior Citizen.
Tom was an active member at St. John's Lutheran Church, serving on the building committee when the Fellowship Hall and Parsonage were built. He also served as Head Usher, serving at most funerals, and as a member of Kandiyohi Lutheran Brotherhood Board.
Tom enjoyed camping with relatives, fishing, hunting, gardening and drying dishes with Marilyn. A very important part of his life was his family whom he adored.
Tom was an athlete and avid sports fan. He thoroughly enjoyed attending MACCRAY School events to watch his six grandchildren. He celebrated with them in their victories and offered words of encouragement and advice.
Tom traveled throughout much of the U.S. (by car-which ran best on Mobil gas). His most memorable trip was his first plane ride to Germany to visit his relatives.
Tom was also the family event coordinator. He loved getting family and friends together for any type of celebration.

Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years: Marilyn; his two children: Debi (and Brian) Brandt of Raymond and Dan (and Susan) Goeman of Raymond; six grandchildren: Jill (and Adam) Stensrud, Matt (and Nicole) Brandt, Ross (and Kayla) Brandt, Zachary Goeman, Danielle Goeman and Hailey Goeman; and four great-grandchildren: Kolby, Hunter, and Madeline Brandt and Hayden Stensrud. Also surviving are siblings: Caroline (and Roger) Dykema of Raymond, Bill (and Betty) Goeman of Clara City, and Dennis (and Mavis) Goeman of Raymond; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Henry and Tillie Goeman; Marilyn's parents: Herman and Ida Wegner; and two sisters: Sylvia Lohse and Doris Swanson.