Carl Goericke

Carl William Goericke, Sr., passed away, surrounded by his loving family, early Thursday morning, July 7, 2016. Carl was born the son of Henry Goericke and Grace Solomon Goericke in Elgin, Texas on May 10, 1927. He attended schools in Sea Drift and Elgin, before leaving early to join the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, Carl realized "he could walk better than he could swim," and joined the United States Army. Shorty into his enlistment, he became involved in the Korean Conflict. While stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he met the love of his life, Annie Ruth Cotton. On December 18, 1951, the two united in Holy Matrimony. Carl moved his young bride all over the world with the military and in 1958, they made Austin, Texas their home.Carl worked hard his whole life, working as a HVAC Technician for Texas State Hospital, Texas Capital Complex, and many years at Brackenridge Hospital where he retired due to heart complications. He loved to travel, fishing, and camping with his wife and family. Carl also spent his time keeping honey bees and was a member of the Williamson County Bee Keepers Association. He served as a Deacon at several Assembly of God churches throughout the Austin area over the years. He was a 33 Degree Mason at the Scottish Rite Temple of Austin; where he loved to cook and served for over 50 years. On May 30, 2016, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Annie Ruth Goericke. He is also preceded in death by both his parents; his older brother, Henry Goericke, Jr.; and sister, Betty Lou Riddings; his granddaughter, Christina Grace Brunken.Carl is survived by his four children, Karen and husband Waldon Boecker, Carl Goericke, Jr. and wife Loretta, Susan and husband Charles Brunken, and Victor Keith Goericke and wife Michelle; nine grandchildren, Jason, Jared, and Brice Boecker, Greggory, Tiernie, and Phillip Goericke, Clayton and David Brunken, and James Whatley; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive guests at the Elgin Funeral Home from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM Sunday, July 10th. A Funeral Service will be conducted at the Elgin Funeral Home on Monday, July 11th at 10:00 AM with Pastor Mike Fizzell officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Elgin Cemetery.