As received from the Memorial Chapel Funeral and Cremation Service. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Evelyn V. Goke, 79, a resident of Houghton, died on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Omega House in Houghton following two years of significant health problems, including cancer and a stroke.
She was born on May 16, 1946, in Lancaster, WI, the daughter of the late Clark and Vera (Ramshaw) Williams. Evelyn was raised in Lancaster and was a graduate of Lancaster Senior High School with the class of 1964. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and received her teaching degree in 1968.
Evelyn began a career in education, starting with teaching Drama, English, and Speech at Pardeeville High School from 1968-1984, where she enjoyed directing many plays.
On June 27, 1970, she was united in marriage with Gary Goke. The couple resided in Pardeeville, WI, where they had three children. The family relocated to Houghton, MI in 1984 for Gary’s work at JCPenney. On January 1, 1988, Gary preceded Evelyn in death, and afterwards she worked incredibly hard to lovingly raise her three children as a single mom.
Upon moving to Houghton, Evelyn began a career working for Suomi College as an adjunct Professor in the English Department. She then became the Registrar for the college until her retirement in 2015 from Finlandia University.
Evelyn was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton. She owned and loved many cats throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, baking, treat making, jet skiing, boating, shopping, traveling to the family farm in Wisconsin, playing games, reading, and fellowship with her family.
Later in her life, her true passion became her grandchildren. She attended their events regularly, whether in person or online. Her presence was often felt at softball and hockey games, swim/cross country/track meets, and a variety of other events, from academics to music. Always the educator, she helped her grandchildren form their voices in writing and speech, as well as fostering their love for reading. Grammie, as she was known to them, will truly be missed by all of her grandchildren.
During her retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at Portage Hospital, working local elections, and helping in her grandchildren’s classrooms.
Preceding her in death were her husband, her stillborn son, her parents, and her brother, Robert Williams.
Surviving her are: Her children: Amy (Jason) Evans of Houghton, Darin (Megan) Goke of Houghton, & Kevin (Megan) Goke of Charlotte, NC; Her grandchildren: Davin, Ian, Tate, Ty, Gracen, Leyton, Alexander, Charles, Benjamin, and Taylor; Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A funeral service for Evelyn will be held at Grace United Methodist Church of Houghton on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11 am with Rev. Eric Falker to officiate. Visitation will begin an hour before the service, and a luncheon will be held at the church at the conclusion of the service. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery of Platteville, WI, Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 2 pm with a celebration of life to follow at 5 pm at the family farm in Lancaster.
The family would like to thank the Omega House for their kind and loving care of her at the end of life. They also express their deepest appreciation for all those who have treated or cared for her these past 2 years, including the Bluffs, Aspirus, Portage Health, Canal View, and Marquette General Hospital. Gifts in her honor can be given to the Omega House, Grace United Methodist Church, or Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly.
The family requests that attendees wear a touch of blue, her favorite color, to her funeral service in her honor.
To view Evelyn’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Hancock Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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