Obituary of M. Dean Goff

M. Dean Goff, 87, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the Good Shepherd Hospice House, from complications of cancer. Dean was born on September 6, 1927 in Manhattan, the first son of Marvin Albert and Edith Elsie (Russell) Goff. The Goff’s were dairy farmers and life-long residents of Keats, Kansas. Dean worked alongside his parents on the farm and continued the dairy operation after his father’s death until 1995. To supplement the income and help provide for his growing family, Dean did carpentry work. His performance exhibited integrity and reliability, and earned him a reputation as a quality craftsman. Mr. Goff was a member of the Keats United Methodist Church. He was President of the Keats School Board at the time of the consolidation into the Riley County School District #378. Dean took pleasure in visits from grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play sports. Dean was an honorable man. He instilled in his children and grandchildren the value of hard work and the importance of right and wrong. He taught them to be safe, showed them how to have fun and expected them to be respectful to each other. Dean believed in honesty, in giving more than receiving and commitment. It is through his example more than his words that his life lessons are lived. His family is his legacy. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Wanda Lea (Hollowell) of the home; sons Donald (Marcia) Goff, Larry (Kathy) Goff, Garry (Christine) Goff, Rex Goff, Wayne (Jane) Goff and Clyde (Arlene) Goff, and daughters Janet Schurle, Nancy (Brad) Carter and Jane Keister; 25 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Lyle Goff, a son, Ben Goff, a son-in-law, Richard Schurle, a granddaughter, Renae Schurle and a great-grandson, Laine Goff. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2015, at the Keats United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Eisele officiating. Respect calls may be made anytime Friday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. Friday evening. Burial will be in the Riley Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Keats United Methodist Church and Good Shepherd Hospice House. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley.