Rickie “Walleye Rick” Goeske

“If others wonder why I’m missin’, just tell ’em I’ve gone fishin’.”

TOWN OF DEKORRA/POYNETTE - After a brief battle with cancer, Rickie “Walleye Rick” Goeske, age 61, went to that perfect fishing spot in the sky, on November 2, 2024, from his home, with his loving wife by his side. He was born on June 28, 1963, in Chicago, IL, the son of Robert and Luella (Stevenson) Goeske.

Rick graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1981. He worked a variety of jobs over his years, too numerous to list. He married April (Klongland) Martinson on October 24, 2003. They recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his wife, April; stepdaughters, Sara (Roger) Schlender and Laura (Joseph Sr.) Martino, from the Town of Dekorra/Poynette; stepson, Thomas Martinson (Portage); daughter, Patricia Goeske (Rockford, IL); son, Codey Goeske (Waunakee, WI). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Bailey Schneider, Trenton and Aiden Schlender, Michelle, Elizabeth, Teressa, Joseph Jr., Jazmin, and Michael Martino, and Rayann, Leigha, Brettly, Paislee and Harlee Martinson; his brothers, Duane (Ginger) Goeske (Hayward, WI) and Robbie (Tara) Goeske (Nine Miles Falls, WA); his sister, Tracy (Randy) Tiedel (Algonquin, IL); and several nieces, nephews, and many friends. Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Luella, in 1972; his father Robert, in 2005; his sister, Karen (Ray) Jackson, in 2021; as well as his, faithful 4-legged companion, Molly, in June 2024.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for June 28, 2025 (Rickie’s 62nd birthday), location to be determined.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Poynette is assisting the family.