Obit: Gokey, Vane L. (1929 - 2010) 
 

Contact: Robert Lipprandt

Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

Surnames: Cooper, Gilbert, Gokey, Jossart, Leonhardt, Nacker, Weix, Witte 
 

----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor Co., Wisconsin) Thursday, May 13, 2010, online edition  
 

Gokey, Vane L. (November 28, 1929 - May 11, 2010) 
 

Vane L. Gokey, age 80 of Colby, has now gone to launch the pontoon in the lakes of heaven.  
 

Vane entered eternal life Tuesday May 11, 2010 in the palliative care unit of St Joseph’s Hospital surrounded by his family.  
 

A memorial service will be held 11:00AM Friday May 14, 2010 at the First United Church of Christ, Colby. Pastor Marlea Gilbert will officiate. Nancy Witte will provide special music for congregational hymns. A time of visitation will be held from 9 - 11:00AM Friday at the church. The service will conclude with a Masonic Ritual followed by military honors conducted by the Colby VFW Post #2227.  
 

Vane was born November 28, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Vane and Martha (Leonhardt) Gokey.  
 

In 1947 he graduated Abbotsford High School and later attended UW Eau Claire. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. On March 21, 1953 in Fort Riley, Kansas, Vane was united in Marriage to the former Barbara L. Jossart. She preceded Vane in death on January 23, 2004.   
 

Mr. Gokey was employed at GTE retiring in 1992 following 42 years of service.   
 

On Feb 14, 2006 Vane married Bernice Nacker, a former grade school classmate.  
 

Vane fondly remembered dipping her pigtails in the inkwell at school.  Mr. Gokey was an active member of the First United Church of Christ. Vane was also a member of the Colby Volunteer Fire Dept and served as an EMT on the ambulance. He was also a member of the Colby VFW Post #2227, Owen Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star member.   
 

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Bernice Gokey, Colby, children, Sheree (Joe) Cooper, Madison, Vaughn (Sue) Gokey, Mosinee, Brad (Jean) Gokey, Owen, Scott (Sue) Gokey, Mosinee and Tony (Patty) Gokey, Wausau and a step daughter, Sheila (Dennis) Weix, Edgar, Ten grandchildren; Melissa, Jeremy, Stacey, Paul, Evan, Janelle, Elizabeth, Michelle (Andy) Taylor, Katherine and Emily, two great grandchildren, Parker and Axel as well as 2 step grandchildren, Adam and Jason, a step great grandchild, Brexton further survives.  
 

Those wishing to offer and expressions of sympathy in Vane’s memory are encouraged to do so to: the Shrine Hospital for children.  
 

The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.