Herbert James Goossen
Obituary
Herbert James Goossen was born on January 28, 1936 to Peter and Lilly (Toews) Goossen near Rosenort, MB. He peacefully slipped away with his four sons by his bedside on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, reaching the age of 89 years.
He was the oldest boy in a family of 10 children. He enjoyed his growing up years with three brothers and six sisters. He attended the local school and helped on the farm. He gave his life to the Lord in his youth and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on December 19, 1948. He was faithful to his vows and never wavered in his commitment.
He bought his own farm in 1964 and lived there as a bachelor. In August of 1966 he married Caroline Rempel, who was his beloved companion for 58 years. Together they raised their four boys on the farm, growing crops and keeping a few cows. Dad worked diligently to provide for his family. He was careful in keeping his machinery in order so it was ready to use when needed. Dad also worked for a carpenter as a side job for a few years.
Dad taught us many good values. He wasn’t a man of so many words and taught by example. Dad was a contented person and seldom complained. He was steady and dependable.
Dad did a lot of reading and many times in our younger years he would lean against the wall in the dining room and read to himself while Mom was busy in the kitchen and we boys were playing around him. He enjoyed visiting about many different subjects, especially in one-on-one conversations. He loved his children and grandchildren and appreciated his visits with them.
Dad’s hobbies included growing plants and woodworking. Dad was especially interested in wildflowers and trees. If he noticed an uncommon flower beside the road in their travels, he would dig it up and plant it at home. Due to Dad’s interest in many different kinds of wood he brought home pieces of wood from the various locations they visited. They were used with locally harvested wood to make beautiful little benches that found their way into many homes.
In 2005 Dad & Mom moved to their retirement home and later to Heritage Apartments, an assisted living facility. In November of 2024 they moved into Maplewood Manor for more care, where they were lovingly cared for. Dad was unselfish and took very good care of Mom, especially as her mobility decreased. They enjoyed their jaunts along the hallways at Heritage Apartments and Maplewood Manor with Dad pushing Mom in her wheelchair. Mom passed away in April, leaving him lonely and taking a lot of his purpose out of life.
Left to cherish special memories are four sons and their families: Darrel and Esther of Rosenort, MB; Mervin and Marilyn of Pine River, MB; Earl and Tana of Rosenort, MB; Edric and Thelma of Grandview, MB; sixteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He also leaves his siblings: Elaine Toews, Tina and Earvey Friesen, Mildred Cherewan, Peter and Iris Goossen, Jocelyn Vann, Grace and Martin Penner, Abe and Olive Goossen, Glenn and Myrna Goossen, Lucille and Willie Thiessen. Three sisters-in-law: Dorothy Rempel, Edna Rempel, and Marina Rempel.
As a family we extend deep appreciation to all of Dad’s caregivers at the Heritage Apartments and Maplewood Manor during the last number of years.
The viewing will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at Rosenort Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Rosenort, MB., with interment to follow at the church cemetery.
