Dwight Goehner

Dwight Goehner was born to Walter and Alvina Goehner in May of 1957. He joined his sister Naomi and brother Keith in a loving Christian home, surrounded by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, most of whom lived in the same Dryden, WA area. Dwight grew up helping his father and uncles with the family pear orchards.

He graduated from Peshastin-Dryden High School, where he enjoyed baseball and wrestling. At age 15, he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, which he fought for the rest of his life. Despite this, he consistently chose careers that allowed him to serve others. During high school, he began a work/study at Ward’s Funeral Chapel in Leavenworth which also ran an ambulance service. He became the youngest licensed ambulance driver in WA state at age 17. He learned the funeral trade, and over the years, worked at Braun in Cashmere, and Betts in Wenatchee. He also served with his dad on the Dryden Volunteer Fire Department.

He later worked for Ballard Ambulance and became a paramedic through one of the first programs taught by Drs. Gill and Shipman. Dwight and his partners saved many lives and grieved over those beyond their help.

As a young husband, he was blessed with two children, daughter Christina and later son Christopher. They had great fun at Lake Wenatchee, going to Tillicum Village, Disneyland, camping trips, fishing, endless rodeos, speedy trips to Mariners games, and campfires on Cannon Beach.
Faithful to support his family, he often worked two jobs, while completing the Wenatchee Police Reserves Academy. He began patrol work as a Reserve Deputy then was hired by Sheriff Joe Collins. He graduated from the WA State Police Academy and returned as a full-fledged Deputy. He risked his life to serve and protect Chelan County.

After his law enforcement career, he returned to his agricultural roots and worked for Dovex Fruit. While there, he was diagnosed with diabetic kidney failure and, as a single parent, was committed to continue working and raising his children. Friends from his church volunteered to be tested and a match was found. A great friend donated her kidney, and the transplant lasted an amazing 27 years, saving him from many years of dialysis. He later had a pancreas transplant which lasted until his passing.

In 1997, he married Carol (Sexton) Smith, and they enjoyed 26 years of a loving marriage committed to Jesus. This marriage brought two bonus stepchildren, Kellie and Adam. Despite his full-time employment, Dwight helped Carol operate her small cherry orchard for 20 years until it was sold.

In his last role, he served Chelan County with Link Transit as a purchasing agent. He made multiple friends during his many years there, but poor health forced his early retirement.
Dwight enjoyed family gatherings, gospel singing, traveling in the RV, and driving his 1949 cherry red Chevy pickup. He was also an avid Mariners fan, even during the bad years. Dwight loved old Western TV shows, because they taught good morals. And NO ONE was excluded from his practical jokes.

While he had a good sense of humor, Dwight was serious about his faith, serving in many roles within the churches he attended. He was confirmed in the Dryden church and was baptized by his father. He was a board member of Eastmont Community Church, which was founded by his parents. He was a trustee and worship leader at the Cashmere Methodist Church and sang at the Nazarene Church in Leavenworth. He then attended Sage Hills church, singing and making many life-long friends.

Dwight passed into heaven on May 4, 2024, at home surrounded by his wife and children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Alvina Goehner, and his in-laws, Leonard and Darlene Sexton. He is survived by his wife Carol; daughter Christina (Donny) Butts, Peshastin; son Christopher Goehner, Tampa, FL; stepdaughter Kellie (Robert) Rankin, Cashmere; and stepson Adam (Vanessa) Smith, Seattle. Grandchildren: Elijah and Alexis Robles, Mariah and Carly Rankin, Connor and Raylin Butts, Olivia, Penelope and Axel Smith. Great grandkids: Kaylani and Selena. Also surviving are his sister Naomi (Bill) Forsberg, Wenatchee; brother Keith (Lisa) Goehner, Dryden; brother-in-law Larry (Linda) Sexton, Monitor; and numerous other family and friends.

A Visitation will be Thursday, May 9, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

A Graveside will be Friday, May 10, at 11 am at Cashmere Cemetery, Cashmere. A Memorial Service following at 2 pm will be held at Dryden Community Church, 681 Dryden Ave., Dryden; reception to follow.

At Dwight’s request, NO TIES ARE TO BE WORN AT THE SERVICE.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) www.jdrf.org

Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.