Published on May 20, 2026 6:19 am
Last Updated on May 20, 2026 11:12 am
Harold was born on August 26, 1944, in the family home in Bishop Creek, the son of Ferd and Alice (Dust) Goeckner. He was a 1962 graduate of Teutopolis High School and married his high school sweetheart at Saint Francis Church on September 15, 1962, beginning a loving and faithful marriage that became the foundation of their family life.
A lifelong farmer, Harold lived a life rooted in faith, family, and the land. He grew up, worked, and raised his family on the Goeckner family farm. In addition to farming, he drove a semi-truck for Heuerman Brothers and worked for Weber Brothers Equipment. At the age of 62, he retired from farming and moved to Teutopolis, though his love for the farm and rural life never left him.
Harold found joy in the simple blessings of life: watching Cardinal baseball, binging every western television series imaginable, camping with family and friends, wintering in Texas at Victoria Palms, traveling the world, caring for his lawn, and talking farming whenever he had the chance. He will fondly be remembered for his white hat, toothpick, strong work ethic, and the many conversations shared around the kitchen table.
Grounded in his Catholic faith, Harold understood the value of hard work, sacrifice, and devotion to family. Like the faithful farmer in the Gospel, he planted seeds not only in the fields, but also in the lives of those he loved through strength, generosity, and steadfast love.
He deeply loved and was immensely proud of his family, especially the love of his life, Jane, who survives him. He is also survived by his children: Reverend Jeffrey Goeckner of Edwardsville, Jodi (Bruce) Hoene of Sigel, Eric Goeckner of Bishop Creek, Ellyn (Gary) Spelbring of Newton, Troy (Susan) Goeckner of Bishop Creek, Tari (Jason) Hoene of Sigel, Cory (Danielle) Goeckner of Bishop Creek, and Clint (Kelsey) Goeckner of Teutopolis; along with 24 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his in-laws: Larry Zerrusen, Beth Hewing, and Rosie (Denny) Weber, all of Teutopolis, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Freddy and Spec. 4 Eugene Goeckner; sisters, Anna, Alva (Oliver) Heuerman, Anna Mae (Michael), and Marilyn (Larry) Zerrusen; his parents-in-law, Ralph and Maurine Weber; and brothers-in-law, Robert and Steve.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Saint Francis Catholic Church, the church where Harold and Jane exchanged their marriage vows. His son, Reverend Jeffrey Goeckner, will preside.
A private family Vigil Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 3:30 PM. Visitation for the public will follow in the church from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Burial will take place at Saint Aloysius Cemetery.
The family would like to extend special thanks to HSHS Hospice, Crossroads Cancer Center, and BJC Siteman Cancer Center, as well as to everyone who offered love, concern, support, and countless prayers during Harold’s illness.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to HSHS Hospice, Siteman Cancer Center, or for Mass intentions.
May the Lord now welcome Harold into the eternal harvest of heaven, where every labor is rewarded and peace is everlasting.