Lester Goke

Lester R. Goke, 90, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died on Saturday, November 16, 2024.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Lutheran Church of Peace, Platteville. Private family burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, Platteville.  Friends may call from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at the church Thursday.  The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family.   In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lester R. Goke memorial fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com. 

Lester was born on April 4, 1934, in Grant County, Wisconsin, son of Raymond and Hazel (Butson) Goke.  Lester graduated from Platteville High School and later from UW-Platteville with a degree in Agricultural Education.  He was united in marriage to Sylvia Ann West in Granton, Wisconsin on June 17,1961.  Sylvia preceded Lester in death on October 10, 2020.  Lester worked for 33 years for the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, where he retired in 1989.  His career started in southern Wisconsin.  He went to work in Washington DC, National Office for many years and finished his career at the Michigan state office.  Lester was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Peace, Platteville.  He and Sylvia enjoyed traveling the world together, visiting 70 different countries and wintering in Florida for over 25 years.  He made many lifelong friends throughout his traveling.  Lester enjoyed golfing, gardening, a good game of cards and following Wisconsin sports teams.  He liked to take care of the land and especially loved to spend time with his children and their families. 

Lester is survived by his daughter, Ann Goke-Bonner, special son-in-law, Robert Bonner and their children, Christopher and Matthew; son, Jon (Kathleen) Goke and their children, Ryan (Jennifer) Goke, Dylan (Cassandra) Goke and Tyler Crowell; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Lucas, Charleigh, Alice and Hudson; sisters-in-law, Judy Goke and Florence (Fluff) Goke; Janice Voigt, Carol Walner along with many nieces and nephews.  Lester was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sylvia, his parents, sister, Doris Barth and brothers, Roger, David and Gary Goke.

The family would like to THANK, Park Place Assisted Living and Memory Care along with St. Croix Hospice for all  the care given to their father and grandfather.