Neil Thomas Goeckerman (68) passed away Sunday, October 2, 2022 at his home in Taylor, Michigan.  He was born November 28, 1953 in Toledo Ohio to parents Donald and Thelma Goeckerman.  Neil is preceded in death by his parents, brother John, Donald Jr., and nephew Fritz Jr.  He is survived by his sister Jennie, brothers Fritz and Gary, and the wonderful nieces and nephews who he shared good times – Dawn, Troy, Tim, Tammy, Deena, Arick, Andrew.

Neil brought lives into this world with his Lake High School sweetheart Catherine Lee VonAhrens; son Casey Jones (aka Jones Bones), daughter Heidi Erin (aka Fritus Delightus), and daughter Gretchen Elise (aka Stretchen Gretchen).  Heidi's children Kelsey, Maggie, Ben, Abby, and Austin and Gretchen's son David are the legacy Neil left with us to make this world a better place.

Neil started out his professional life working at a shoe store, then the railroad (hence son named Casey Jones), and after several educational residencies became a yacht broker, and then the Vice President of a company providing the vehicles that carry us everywhere we go.  He was a born marketer second to none.

Summing up Neil's life is impossible.  He could deliver the best joke ever; you didn't know he was telling one until the punchline arrived.  He was an avid sailor traveling all over the Western hemisphere mastering the power of wind.  Sailing with his kids was the best.  He also owned his own airplane and walked and/or swam away from at least one or two crashes.  He loved to fish and be out on the boat with his brothers Fritz and Tom (Trombly) for the Lake Erie perch and walleye and those halibut and salmon in Alaska where Casey was stationed.  He was an avid skier and loved the outdoors so much he took up the game of golf and could crush a 3-iron farther than golfers can hit the driver.  He loved some Cedar Point Rollercoasters as well – just ask his kids.

His children say the funniest memories are when he lived in Sterling Heights MI Highway 75 Exit 69 Big Beaver Road (always reminded them of it), always wore his boxer shorts higher than they should be worn, and wore sock garters with golf shirts (remnant of Casey's Air Force career).

One thing Neil left with us was this advice – no matter what it costs today if you remember an adventure when you are 70 years old it is a small price to pay.  Do it.

We love and miss you dad, brother, grandfather, and uncle.  Until we meet again.

A celebration of Neil's life is in progress.  Notification will be posted on this site.