Mike Goeb

Herrin- Michael C. “Coach” Goeb, 71, of Herrin, passed away peacefully at 1:45 PM, Wednesday, February 15, 2017, surrounded by his family and close friends, at Helia Healthcare Center in Energy. Michael was born on August 1, 1945 in Cherokee, IA to Charles V. and Darlene (Morgan) Goeb. He attended various area schools growing up. After graduating from Herrin High School he enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He provided assistance for troops and was often helicoptered into the chaos of the front line. It was there that he was subsequently exposed to the chemical “Agent Orange”. Once he was honorably discharged, he returned home and finished up his Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He married Linda R. Graham on August 19, 1967 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. They will have been married 50 years in August. Mike began a long career as a teacher/coach at Hurst Bush Elementary School. He taught 6th grade and coached track and basketball there for 20 years. Next he moved to Herrin High School where he taught Physical Education and Drivers Ed and coached football for many years until his retirement in 2003. After retirement he refereed local junior high and high school basketball games for several years. Although he taught school and coached during the fall and winter, during the summer he worked as a carnie. He travelled during the summer to various state and county fairs with his stands- “Goeb’s Lemonade” which sold lemonade and shake ups and the “Happy Apple Wagon” which sold popcorn, caramel corn and caramel apples. He was catholic and a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. He was also a member of the American Legion, Herrin Benevolent Order of Protective Elks Lodge # 1146 and the Illinois High School Association as a coach and referee. In addition to travel, Mike loved to spend time outdoors hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He also liked to golf and once accomplished the amazing feat of getting a “hole in one” at a golf course in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. He was a dedicated fan of the Herrin Tigers and Green Bay Packers. He and Linda once attended a Packers game at the famed Lambeau Field vs the Seattle Seahawks. Mike’s greatest joy however, was spending time with his beloved grandchildren or his “Stinkerbutts” as he would say. He was a friend to all and will be truly missed by his many friends, family, and those whose lives were impacted by his work as a teacher, coach, referee and mentor. Survivors include- Wife- Linda Goeb of Herrin Son- Todd Goeb and wife Theresa of Belleville Special family members- Beth Harness and husband Tom of Carterville 4 grandchildren: Justine McGill and husband Michael of Boise, ID Candace Goeb of Belleville John Michael Goeb of Belleville Mia Harness of Carterville Brother- David Goeb and wife Robin of Baraboo, WI Sister- Susan Goeb of Milwaukee, WI Brother in law- David Graham and wife Margie of Las Cruces, NM Brother in law- Jerry Graham and wife Tina of Benton Several nieces, nephews and cousins Close friends: Randy and Judy Lynn of Herrin Marvin and Karen Coulter of Herrin He was preceded in death by his parents, mother in law and father in law- Hervis and Elizabeth Graham and his son- John Goeb in 1998. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer and Rev. Michael Neubert will officiate. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Military rites will be performed at graveside by the Herrin VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the Illinois National Guard. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. The Elk’s Funeral Ritual will be performed by the Herrin BPOE Lodge #1146 at 6:00 PM, Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations are suggested to Autism Speaks and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St./ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.