Burgess DeWane Goeke

Burgess DeWane Goeke, of Brenham, died January 8, 2020, following a long and courageous battle with numerous serious health issues.

DeWane was born September 2, 1948 in Bellville, Texas to Burgess C. and Irene Glaeser Goeke. He was a lifelong rancher who loved his cows. He worked for 23 years at Blue Bell Creameries followed by 10 years with Green Grain Feed and Goeke Feed Store before his health prevented him from continuing. With great determination, he managed to keep his positive attitude to the end of his life, and was always determined that his health would improve so he could once again work with his cows and sell some more Blue Bell ice cream! For him, giving up was not an option.

DeWane is survived by his wife, Ruth Pieper Goeke; son and daughter-in-law, John and Michelle Goeke; sister, Elaine Wickel; brother-in-law, Billy Dean; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Julie Pieper; two grandchildren, Leann and Heath Goeke; two nieces, Jenny Dean Pedrotta and husband Fabiano, Sarah Pieper Johnson and husband Todd; four nephews, Nolan Wickel, Jr. and wife Tammi, Jason Wickel and wife Brandi, Jacob Dean and wife Teresa, Will Pieper and wife Kim; along with their children, and many good friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Burgess C. and Irene Goeke; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Erwin and Olivia Pieper; sister, Joyce Dean; brother, Roy Goeke, brother-in-law, Nolan Wickel, and his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Saturday, January 11 at Brenham Memorial Chapel.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 12 at Salem Lutheran Church of Salem with Pastor Charles Parnell officiating. Burial will be in Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery following the service.

Serving as pallbearers will be Nolan Wickel, Jr., Jason Wickel, Henry Abel, Jr., Todd Johnson, Will Pieper, Randy Markwardt, Darrell Plagens, and Tomas Laguna Morales. Honorary pallbearer will be Jacob Dean.

He enjoyed spending time with special friends, Diana and Randy Markwardt. Over these many years he had numerous fine doctors. We especially want to thank Dr. Michael Schlabach, Dr. Bruce Koehler, Dr. David Stewart, and Dr. Vincent Scott.


The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Washington County EMS or Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham.
979.836.3611 Access on-line registration at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com