Reverend Doctor Joan Goebel, born November 1, 1943, passed on May 9, 2018, at the age of 74.  She was born in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Kenneth Burington and Ella (Beach) Burington.

Surviving are her husband, Rev. Dr. Laurence Goebel; son, Michael Strahm; daughter, Alisa Strahm; four grandchildren, Dylan Damarrow, Christopher Paplior, Michael and Alana Strahm; three step-children, Jennifer (Timothee) Rodrique, Andrew Goebel (Charles Rios), and Ann (Charlie Brown) Goebel; four step-grandchildren, Joshua and Michael Rodrique, and Goebel 'Gabe' and Donovan Brown; brothers, Edwin (Vickie) and John (Val) Burington; sister, Barbara (Jake) Jacobs; brothers-in-law, Alan 'Jerry' (Jeannine), Bob (Marsha), Tom (Loris), John (Bonnie), and Paul (Char) Goebel; and many nieces and nephews.

At age 37, Joan responded to the call to ministry.  At that time, she had only received her high school diploma.  In six years, she earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Divinity from the University of Dubuque and University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.  Several years later, she earned a Doctor of Ministry at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

She served as pastor at Willow Valley parish, Watertown United Methodist Church, Superior United Methodist Church, East Troy United Methodist Church, and Hudson United Methodist Church, all in Wisconsin.  After retirement, she served part-time at Lester Park United Methodist Church in Duluth, Minnesota.

Joan was active after retirement in NOMADS, serving on the national board and doing projects nationwide.  Gardening was her passion.  She belonged to Bay Gardeners and served in state positions of the Wisconsin Garden Federation.

Joan's visitation will be on Thursday, May 24, 2018, from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. funeral service at Hope United Methodist Church, 301 West St. Marie Street, Duluth, MN 55803.

Burial will be on Friday, May 25, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery.