Siegfried Rudolf Goerke

Age 97, passed away on March 5th, 2019 after a long and eventful life. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 35 years, Johanna Rottenecker Goerke and his sister, Ruth Goerke Bohmer. He is survived by his two daughters Dorothee (Jesse) Goerke Chen and Ingrid (Doug) Cook, and his 3 grandchildren Logan, Klara and Ian Cook. He is further survived by 7 nephews and nieces, their families, and many wonderful neighbors and friends who blessed his life richly. Siegfried was born in East Prussia, Germany on September 16th, 1921 to Rudolf and Ida Goerke. In 1954 he emigrated to the United States, and then moved to Milwaukee in 1956, where he lived the rest of his life. Siegfried graduated from MSOE in 1968 with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, and headed up the Clinical Engineering department, first at St. Luke's Hospital from 1958 to 1973, and then at St. Joseph's Hospital from 1973 to his retirement in 1988. While at St. Luke's in 1968, he was the technician present during the first successful heart transplant in the Midwest. Siegfried belonged to several German/American organizations in the Milwaukee area, including D.A.N.K. (German-American National Congress), Carl Schurz Memorial Park, Milwaukee Liedertafel, and he was also a member of the German-speaking congregation of St. Michaelis Evangelical Lutheran Church. Siegfried was a dedicated gardener and stamp collector, enjoyed traveling and reading Mysteries, and loved to play Chess and later, games like Yatzee and RumiKube with family and friends. He was a devoted father and grandfather, and participated in many family outings well into his 90's. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park "Chapel of Chimes", 13235 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield on Sunday, March 10th from 12 Noon until 2 PM. Service 2 PM. Interment to follow. In Lieu of Flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to MSOE or Wisconsin Lutheran College in memory of Siegfried.