Dwane J. Chick Goracke
July 16, 1929 ~ September 28, 2019
Dwane J. “Chick” Goracke peacefully passed away on September 28, 2019. He was born on July 16, 1929 to Ruth and Joseph Goracke. He graduated from Hope High School in 1947 and attended Emporia State University before entering the Marine Corps. After serving in Korea he married the love of his life, Maxine Haas in 1952 and they have been married for 66 years. After his service he attended Kansas State University where he earned his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering in 1957. He remained a Wildcat fan through the years rarely missing a televised football or basketball game. Dwane was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Family meant everything to him and he was adored by all. He looked forward to every family gathering and truly believed the more the merrier. In 1958, Dwane joined the Boeing Company, where he loved working for over 45 years. Many of his friends and coworkers will fondly remember the annual Christmas party he and Maxine hosted filled with friendship, love, and lots of food! He was a parishioner of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church for over 50 years where he served as an usher and was a member of the Layman’s Club. In addition to church and work, Dwane enjoyed all sports. He played football, basketball, baseball, and track in high school, and continued playing basketball and bowled for many years. He coached all of his children and loved attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events. His love of sports was matched by his love of animals. If he wasn’t watching a game he was watching Animal Planet. He owned many different animals through the years including monkeys and his beloved rabbits. Dwane was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Max and Donald Goracke; daughter, Donna Goracke; brother, Robert Goracke; sister, Harriet Rufener. And is survived by his wife; daughters, Cindy (Mark) Langlois of Wichita, Sandy (Bruce) Jaggers of Derby, Shelly (Chad) Reida of Colorado Springs, CO; sons, Douglas (Jamie) Goracke of Hermann, MO, Rodger (Brenda) Goracke of OK, Troy Goracke of Wichita, KS; 26 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren. Viewing and Visitation will be from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, Tuesday, October 1, 2019; Rosary will at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, October 1, 2019; Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, October 2, 2019, both at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. Graveside Service will follow at 3:00 pm at St. Phillip Catholic Cemetery, Hope, KS. A memorial been established with St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 2701 Pattie, Wichita, KS 67216. Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
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Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni. Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever. Thank you for your service to this nation.
I was a close friend of Mr. Goracke’s daughter, Sandy, when we both attended St. Margaret Mary’s and briefly at Madonna High School. I have very pleasant memories of coming over to the Goracke home and always being welcomed with open arms by both of Sandy’s parents. It was a place where I could hang out with Sandy and never feel like I was imposing whether it was to share a family meal or watch our favorite TV soap opera with Sandy and her mom. As a bonus, there was also interesting critters to see. (I remember a pet monkey vividly.) I imagine that through his life Mr. Goracke didn’t stray far from my childhood memories of him as being a most pleasant person–so unlike the stern and silent fathers of many of my childhood friends. Nor do I doubt that he and his wife kept their home as a place where anyone could feel free to drop by at a moment’s notice. I am sure he’ll be sorely missed by his family and the friends who knew him well. My condolences to all.
No words can describe my feelings for this man so I will not try! I feel it an honor to say that I considered him as a very special friend!
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.