Francis Ernest Gobel

Obituary RED GOBEL Gone Hunting.....Bowling....Racing! On Easter Sunday, 12 April 2009, our beloved husband~father~grandfather lost his two-year battle with GBM, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. He passed away peacefully at his home in Lakewood, with his family by his side. Francis Ernest Gobel, known throughout his life as "Red" because of his hair and coloring, was born 12 June 1928 in Jamestown, ND, and raised on his maternal grandparents' farm in Albany, MN. About 1940 his parents moved the family to Tacoma, where Red and his brother, Ervin, attended Visitation Grade School, pedaled their paper routes, stacked wood for neighbors, and sold home-grown produce, developing a work ethic that followed him throughout his life. After high school, Red enlisted in the old "brown-shoe" Army Air Corps, completing an in-depth Radio Operator-Mechanic school at Scott Field, IL. He was stationed Japan and assisted on many flights around the eastern theatre. This training also prepared him for his 35-year career as a Federal employee, retiring in 1984 from Ft. Lewis Avionics. Red believed in giving a day's work for a day's pay, and found satisfaction in completing the most difficult jobs. Red had returned to Tacoma in 1949, where he met his future wife, Jean Harrison. On 14 May 2005, Red and Jean renewed their vows at Visitation Church, where they were married on that same date in 1955. Red was a charter member of St. Frances Cabrini Church, and a 43-year member of the Elks. Red was one of the pioneer drag racers of the Northwest, running his Chevy-powered dragster in the early years at Shelton Dragstrip, Bremerton Raceways, Arlington, and Mission, B.C. Red held licenses in both Top Fuel and Top Alcohol classes and over the years competed with many of the top drivers in the sport, and at races from California to Canada and beyond. He ran 230 mph at 65 years old, and loved every minute of it. When he "retired" from racing, Red broadened his interest in bowling. Until recently he competed successfully in the 9-Tap Tour and the Amateur Bowlers Tour programs. He looked forward to trips with his bowling buddy, Bill, to Las Vegas bowling tournaments. Another great interest was upland bird hunting. Hunting season found Red and his dog in the field, and many a guest enjoyed a pheasant dinner at his home. Red is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean, their daughter and her husband, Theresa and Scott Walyor, and beloved granddaughters Haley and Erin Walyor. He is also survived by his brother, Ervin Gobel of Lakewood, his uncle, Benedict Auer of Sartell, MN and extended family in the area, in MN and in IL. The family wished to thank Father Lee Hightower for his many comforting visits; Red's doctors: Alex Mohit, Lorrin Yee, and Paul Reilly; faithful family and friends whose frequent visits helped brighten his days: Lavonne, Jean, Marilyn, Peggy, Tom & Sharon, Dick & Roseann, Bill and Larry; our really great neighbors; and all the wonderful people of Franciscan Hospice, especially Cathy, Alene, Tina and Tom. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, Lakewood, at 11:00 am Friday, 17 April 2009, preceded by rosary at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Red's name are suggested to Franciscan Hospice, PO Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401, or a charity of your choice. ~~ohjeanohjean~~ohredohredohred~~