Lt. Col. Richard R. “Dick” Goschke age 94 (7 days shy of his 95th

birthday), passed away peacefully in Camas, Washington on June 4,

2026, at his home with his family. He was born on June 11, 1931, in

Malta, Montana. At the beginning of WWII, his family relocated to

Bremerton, WA where many family members joined the various

branches of the military and some made their living working in the naval

shipyards. Throughout high school, Dick worked in the Wardin family’s

stationery business. After years of superior work as an employee with

exceptional integrity and performance, owners Stanley and Genevieve

Wardin offered Dick a full ride to any university of his choice (Dick would

often get a tear in his eye recounting this life changing gesture). When

Dick graduated with a 4-year business degree from the University of

Puget Sound, the Wardin family offered Dick to take over their flourishing

family business. Instead, in 1954 he entered the USAF to complete a full

20-year career, retiring as a lieutenant colonel (Lt. Col.). Many would

retire and relax. This turned out to be a springboard for his second

career in business, politics and investing, including developing coffee

farms in Hawaii with his son, and owning a few local businesses—

CheckRite, the Fun Center, rentals and real estate.

From serving this country, to serving the Rapid City community, he

offered his skills, time and expertise. He was the president of his

children’s school PTA, a board member at Canyon Lake United

Methodist Church, a city councilperson, and a service club member of

the Rapid City Lions and the Rapid City Rotary Club for many years. All

of these hats he wore included raising five children along with his

adventuresome wife of 51 years.

In closing this reflection on the rich life of Dick Goschke, his youngest

daughter, raised by this man of service, offers this tribute:

“A Goodbye Letter to My Father”

Dad,

It is so hard to say good-bye to my number one (#1) fan! Tears are

streaming down my face. My tears keep falling. So many years ago, I

arrived on your birthday. We would spend so many of our shared

birthdays together—especially as you grew older—until your 94th year

—7 days shy of your 95th birthday.

When I was a young girl, you taught me how to fish. I always

caught so many! One day, reasonably so, you said, “Genni, you are

going to need to start cleaning them!” At that declaration, I was out! I

would have none of that. Your son, my brother Rick, became your avid

fishing and hunting buddy (Alaska, Canada, etc.). Then football came

along--which you loved (being captain of your football team). I didn’t

like football either. However, what I did love, after researching

thoroughly, was our infamous bets on the Super Bowl. Wow, did we

have fun with that venture—every year. I even won often! What you

did teach and role-model for me was honesty, confidence, financial

independence and integrity! Through/with that, you knew I would

flourish! And to this day, I am forever grateful!

Your words of wisdom and guidance still play a part in my daily

living/life. I remember so clearly, “Genni, you must further your

education so you can support yourself. “ So I did, I completed my

doctorate in clinical psychology.

After my stroke, when you and family came to stay with me, you

told me, “this is only a chapter in your book/life.” With those words

resounding in my ears, I got back to work, doing what I love, practicing

as a clinical psychologist.

Dad, after moving back from Minneapolis, I have been tending to,

living and keeping up the “Rocking’ R”—a place you so dearly loved!

As promised, I/we will keep doing so and keep the embers burning,

just as we so loved watching until the last coal would burn out.

Dad, I am forever grateful for your years spent with us, your powerful

and wise words, and the guidance you provided!

Love always,

your daughter (and

birthday-buddy)

Genni

PS. To those fathers with daughters, never underestimate the

influence/impression that you may/do have on your daughters—like

mine had on me.

Dick is survived by his daughters Sherri, Kally, and Genni; his son, Rick

and his daughter-in-law Aza, who took impeccable care of him until he

drew his last breath; his son-in-laws Norm and Sidi; and his many

grandchildren: Zach, Carrie and Jess, especially Richy, Anna, Mae, and

Elizabeth, who were at his side surrounding him with love and affection

until the very end. He so did not want to leave them—he was deeply

satisfied and full of gratitude for all of his living days! As he would so

often reply, “On a good day like this you’ve got to be good!”—

exemplifying his poignant, ever-ready positive nature and attitude.

He was preceded in death by his remarkable and accomplished wife

Joan Goschke, his beloved daughter Laurie, his grandson Benjamin; his

parents, all of his siblings and many extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s honor to the The

Club for Boys Foundation or Storybook Island in Rapid City.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.