Lee Goeres

Lee Michael Goeres passed from this life on February 1, 2024. He was born October 30, 1936 at home on a small ranch near Pretty Rock, North Dakota to Matt and Agnes (O’Donnell) Goeres. From the beginning he and his brothers were cowboys and worked the ranch. Lee’s childhood friend, Lester, used to say dad and his brothers didn’t just play cowboys, they were cowboys. Oh, the stories Lee would tell about those years!

 He married his high school sweetheart, Colette Manning, shortly after they graduated from high school when they were both 17 years old. They moved to Rapid City, SD where Lee completed a two-year business program at Rapid City School of Business. Their first child, Tim, was born in 1956, followed by Deanna in 1957, followed by Tony in 1958. Then there was Ted in 1960, Dixie in 1962, Tom in 1965 and last, but not least Darla in 1971. After Tim and Deanna were born, the family moved to Missoula, where Lee got his CPA certification and worked multiple jobs, eventually ending up as the CFO at Van Evans Products Company. He worked hard to support the family and would pick up various accounting jobs on the side.

In 1971 he was in horrendous car accident and broke his back. During his recovery he re-evaluated his career, and decided to try different business ventures which ultimately lead to a successful career as an insurance salesman, becoming a member the Million Dollar Round Club. 

A devout Catholic his whole life, he was dedicated to St. Francis Parish and served in many capacities and roles for the church. He was also very passionate about Catholic education in Missoula and was especially active when his children were enrolled. A notable contribution was his work helping to build and support BASH (Building A Scholastic Heritage), which supplied key financial support to the Catholic schools.

Service clubs were a very important part of Lee’s life. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Toastmasters, Rotary and others. He was very proud of earning the Pilgrim Degree of Merit from the Loyal Order of the Moose Fraternity, the highest honor bestowed upon a member. He was a “people person” known for being willing to help anyone who asked for it.

Lee was an outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish, but his greatest passion became GOLF, often playing 2 or 3 times a week. He also loved his social groups, including his golf buddies, his bowling teams, his breakfast club group, and most recently his card playing buddies.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim, Leonard and Ray, and sister Eileen. He is survived by his sisters Evelyn and Jeanette. 

Lee leaves behind his wife Colette, children: Tim (Becky), Deanna (Dan), Tony, Ted (Rose), Dixie (Gary), Tom (Debbie) and Darla (Mike), his grandkids, whom he loved to spend time with: Vinni, Lacey, Shannon, Kim, Kevin, Marisa, Tyler, Jackie, Gabe, Brianna, Miriah, Kelsey, Jacob, Emily, and Anna. And Lee LOVED how his legacy continues to grow with multiple GREAT grandchildren. 

We love you Dad – Rest in Peace