Patricia S. Goeke

Patricia S. Goeke, age 88, of Atkinson, passed away Jan. 28, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Center in Atkinson.

Visitation was held on Feb. 1, 2013, from 3-8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service, at the Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson, with Jan With officiating.

Funeral services were held Sat. Feb. 2, 2013, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Bassett with Rev. Gretchen Naugie officiating. Music was provided by organist, Rose Stewart and the congregation.

Pallbearers were Jay Seger, Dean Seger, Larry Seger, John Janzing, John Hansen and Bob Storjohann.

Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Atkinson.

Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson was in charge of arrangements.

Patricia Sylvia Ziska was born on March 17, 1924, the daughter of Freddie and Lucille Ziska. She grew up on the family ranch south of Atkinson and attended elementary school at the Green Valley School. She graduated from Saint Joseph's High School in 1942.

After graduation she worked as a photo developer for Reed Studios in Omaha, as a waitress at the Night and Day Cafe in Atkinson and as a bookkeeper at the Brown McDonald Department Store in O'Neill.

On April 26, 1945, she married her sweetheart since the age of 17, Roy Goeke. Pat was Roy's right hand as they farmed and ranched north of town. After over 16 years of marriage they became the proud parents of a son, Randall Fred, born in 1962.

Pat taught first and second grade Sunday school at the Atkinson United Methodist Church for over 30 years, was active in the United Methodist Women's Society and worked hard with others in the community to begin what became known as the Keenagers and later the Atkinson Senior Center. She was a member of Saint Mary's Episcopal Church in Bassett.

Her Czech heritage shined through in her love for dance and especially the polka. She was an enthusiastic organizer and supporter for years of Tuesday evening music and dancing at the Good Samaritan Center with Leo and the Gang. She loved her part in the O'Neill Kitchen Band traveling around the area sharing cheer. 

Pat will be remembered for doing her part to make the world a more colorful and happy place. She had an amazing talent with needle work, especially knitting and crocheting. No holiday was without its own special hat and jewelry.

She is survived by her husband, Roy and her son, Randy, both of Atkinson and her sister, Nancy Joan Picket of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by two special sons "by choice," Michael Skulavik of Bassett and Max Goodrich of Brewster as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Freddie and Lucille and her sister, Monica Malmquist.