Robert Goyette

Robert Dale Goyette, the son of Ollie and Ione Goyette was born September 2, 1929 in Hartley, Iowa. His childhood years were spent in Royal, Iowa where he received his education, graduating from Royal High School. He attended Westmar College for two years. Robert married Phyllis Holdren on September 25, 1950. Following their marriage, they moved to Royal and Robert farmed with his father on the family farm. After a few years of farming, Robert left to pursue other interests. Robert and his father purchased Sportsman's of Spencer in Spencer, Iowa. He was active in starting the little league organization, was involved in a variety of sports and had many friends in the school system. After selling the sporting goods store, Robert sold school and accident insurance in the state of Minnesota and was involved in the buying and selling of motels. Robert and his family lived in Spencer for many years before moving to Spirit Lake, Iowa. Robert loved to hunt and fish, enjoyed having his family visit, travel and taught himself to carve. He was very active until 1996 when he suffered a brain-stem stroke. Although his stroke curtailed many activities, Robert continued to do some wood carving and emailed many friends on the internet. Robert enjoyed living year around on West Lake Okoboji. He passed away on September 18, 2007 at his home at seventy-eight years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Bonnie Blaue, and his grandson, Travis Ebel. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Goyette of Spirit Lake, Iowa; three daughters, Debbie and Curt Oldroyd of Kansas City, Missouri, Cheri and Mark Christensen of Omaha, Nebraska, Pam and Dave Ebel of Paullina, Iowa; two sons, Randy and Mary Goyette of Lincoln, Nebraska and Greg and Vicki Goyette of LeClaire, Iowa; sister, Arlene Nelson and her husband Robert of West Lake Okoboji; brother-in-law, Robert Blaue of Spencer, Iowa; twelve grandchildren, Cara Campbell, Chelsea Craig, Matt Christensen, Philip, Alison and Adam Goyette, Tammie Bruggeman, Chad, Megan and Alex Ebel, Ben and Ashley Goyette; three great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends; as well as his little dog, Carrie.