Henry John Goedde

Born January 6, 1924 to Henry Goedde and Catherine Kilburg (Nelson). Passed on June 14, 2017 at the age of 93. He was born in Colton, WA and grew up in Uniontown, WA on the homestead. At the age of 5 he moved to Spokane, WA and after 4 years back to Uniontown, WA until going off to serve in WWII. Harry was an excellent salesman starting out selling ladies shoes at the Crescent Department Store in Spokane, then worked as a milkman at Carnation Company for 7 years, after which he went out on his own into the lighting business, selling light bulbs, lighting tubes and fixtures to hundreds of businesses in Spokane and outlaying areas. He was known by many businesses in the vicinity as “Harry the Light man” and always wore a hat.

Harry served in the US Army under General Patton’s 3rd Army, 76th Infantry Division starting at the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, Luxembourg and through the Siegfried Lines and the Rhine River. Having earned the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and other medals for his bravery of which he is mentioned in 3 books. He was wounded on the Rhine River by a German sniper and received a one-way ticket back to the US having been evacuated to Madigan Hospital, Ft Lewis. He was a member of the Purple Heart Association (MOPH), having served as treasurer for 7 years as well as a life member of the DAV, VFW and CIB. Harry also had the privilege of being included of the fourth Honor Flight for veterans and was very proud of that.

He loved to travel, having been to different countries and retracing his past going to England, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. Harry also wrote a book titled “From the Depression into WWII” depicting many drawings that he did himself. He had a natural talent when it came to drawing and oil painting, which were his hobbies. If he wasn’t painting or drawing, he was building.

Harry was well liked and loved by those he met in life. Never a boring man, he would keep you entertained with stories about his childhood, growing up in the Inland Northwest Empire and stories about his experiences during WWII. He loved to laugh and had one of those infectious laughters that made everyone laugh!

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers: the eldest Norbert and youngest Dick (Reinald) followed by 2 sisters: Frances Goedde and youngest sister Dona Hanson and 2nd wife Martl Otto. His sister Alice Nason is the last surviving of 6 children. Harry is survived by his current wife of 40+ years Karen and first wife, Irene, the mother of his 4 children, the eldest Susan (Chuck) Prussack, followed by twin sons, Donald (Thelma) and Ronald Goedde and Terrie (Dave) Hudson; step children Connie Kubu, Chris Hart, Patricia Richardson, Marion Richardson and Joanne Richardson. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren. He wishes them all a good life.

He is now taking his last trip and hopes in the right direction. Good-bye to all his friends, wishing them well!