Obit: Gokey, Vane L. Sr. (1903 – 1967)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Gokey, Leonhardt, Raber, Ogurek

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 10 Aug 1967

Gokey, Vane L. Sr. (16 OCT 1903 – 8 AUG 1967)

Vane L. Gokey Sr., 63, of 508 W. Spruce St., Abbotsford (Clark Co., Wis.), died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 1967, at 2:30 a.m. at Memorial Hospital, Wausau, where he was taken Saturday by ambulance.

The body will lie in state at the Polnaszek Funeral Home, Abbotsford, from Wednesday noon to Thursday noon, when it will be taken to the First United Church of Christ at Colby.

Masonic services were held at the Polnaszek Funeral Home Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock, and services will be held at the church Thursday at 2 o'clock, with the Rev. Kenneth Dix officiating. (Burial was in the Abbotsford Cemetery)

Vane L. Gokey was born Oct. 16, 1903 at Monroe, Wis. He attended schools in Rice Lake and Ladysmith and was a graduate of the Molar Barber College, Milwaukee. He practice in Milwaukee and Withee, and for seven years operated the Gibson Barbershop in Abbotsford. In 1937 he built his own shop, which is presently owned and operated by Clem Ogurek. Mr. Gokey retired in 1965.

On Dec. 30, 1926, Vane Gokey and Martha Leonhardt were united in marriage at Abbotsford. One son, Vane Gokey Jr., was born to this union.

Mr. Gokey was active in church, community and fraternal affairs. He was a member of the First united Church of Christ of Colby, was a member of the church council and was the financial secretary. He served the village of Abbotsford as a trustee and held various offices in the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. He held various offices in the Abbotsford Lodge F & AM. No. 298, and the Abbotsford Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star. He was also a member of the Medford Royal Arch Masons No. 70.

Surviving him are his wife and their son, Vane Jr., and four grandchildren of Colby. He leaves one sister, Mrs. Rube Raber of Ladysmith, and one brother, James Gokey of the Veterans Administration at Wood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two brothers.