Michael Dale Goben

Michael Goben, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026. Born on December 2, 1947, in Carrollton, Illinois, Mike was the cherished eldest son of Donald and Marilyn Goben, who preceded him. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Goben, his two daughters, Angela St. Clair and Alicia Bauer, his three grandsons, Taylor and Trent Dreisbach and AJ Neidermann, his two younger brothers, Randy and Denny Goben and their families. His life was a testament to love, family, dedication, and service, leaving loving thoughts with everyone who knew him. Mike grew up in Whitehall, Illinois. He was an all around athlete in football and baseball at North Greene High School and graduated in 1966. Shortly afterward, he pursued further education at an electrical trade school in Indianapolis, Indiana. His commitment to service was evident early in his life, as he enlisted in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1971. Stationed in San Diego, California, Mike bravely served his country as a diver, a role he embraced with honor and dedication. He took immense pride in being a Veteran of his United States of America. On June 8, 1968, Mike married his childhood sweetheart, Pamela Ferguson, in Roodhouse, IL. They met when she was 14 and he was 16. Mike said the first day he saw her she was doing gymnastics in the yard, and he said he knew he was gonna marry that cute little freckle faced girl. Pam said he was the true love of her life and Mike said that she was his. Their marriage, spanning 58 years, was a beautiful testament to that enduring love. As a young couple first married far away from home during wartime, they created an unbreakable bond that carried all through their lives together. Providing a shining example for their daughters, Angie and Lish. Together, Mike and Pam built a life full of love and laughter, nurturing their family with warmth and kindness. For 25 years, Mike dedicated his professional life to CIPS Power Plant, where he was known for his hard work and integrity. Here he made friendships that lasted throughout the years. Upon retiring, he relocated to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to be closer to his daughters, and to further enjoy being the #1 Grandpa of all time to Taylor, Trent, and AJ. Mike loved being a Grandpa, and his best childhood memories were spent being with his #1 Grandpa, Earl Goben. Mike’s grandsons share very special memories of him being present in their lives. One of Grandpa’s favorite memories that he would always get tickled by with little Taylor and Trent was when they would want to run around wild in the yard and get sprayed by the hose, and of course spray Grandpa too. He loved going to their soccer and baseball games, setting up his lawn chair with sweet tea in hand, cheering them on along with Tim Pottle, the girls close friend, who became one of the family. He was also super hands on in the extra special care with AJ. He gave AJ his first corn curl and was so tickled and proud he got AJ to take a bite, by the end they were both laughing covered in orange, and from then on that was their thing. Grandpa will fondly be remembered holding him up on his lap in his big grandpa chair playing with him and getting his beard tugged on with a smile, just simply being right there for him. Mike was wholeheartedly a good Christian man. His girls remember growing up seeing him every morning at the kitchen table in the dim light with his Bible open. His faith guided his actions in raising his family with God’s presence in their lives. He truly was known for his kindness and generosity, extending a helping hand to local homeless veterans and anyone in need that crossed his path. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather “Papa” and his father, Mike was also a proud Freemason, revering the values and camaraderie it brought. Throughout his life, Mike was an outdoorsman. As a younger man he was an avid runner and biker. He enjoyed his yard, summer garden and woodworking. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cutting fire wood along with his brothers, parents, children, nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed the Sunday family get togethers! His daughters have the fond memory of seeing him with his dad and brothers down in the shed talking, laughing and frying fish together, while all of the kids ran around playing in the creek or playing whiffle ball in the yard. He was a true blue-red blooded American boy, his favorite meal was his mama’s fried chicken and apple pie. Mike was without a doubt a family man, first and foremost the best girl dad two daughters could ask for! He worked so hard and made so many sacrifices to make sure his family was cared for in every way. He was always there for every milestone, every laugh and every tear, the shelter in the storm. Teaching and guiding along the way with pure love, no judgement and complete understanding of what it took to raise good girls. Most of his days off were spent taking his girls on outdoor adventures and being a coach dad. One of Angie and Lish’s fondest and favorite memories was when he would take them morel mushroom hunting in the spring, guiding them to the mushrooms and sharing in the excitement when they found one. When the girls got older he was there to take them shopping as well, always enjoying sitting there waiting for them to come out of the dressing room to do fashion show! In his later years he loved going fishing with Jimmy, Alicia’s fiancé, on the family boat and tending to his cherry tomatoes, always accompanied by his loyal lab, Daisy Mae. Those who knew Mike will remember his respectful polite demeanor, kindness, generosity and cute sense of humor. He was always joking around with his daughters and grandsons and they all loved when he told them stories about his shenanigans with his brothers, Randy and Denny, when they were boys. He considered his brothers his best friends and life was centered around raising up their families together. Mike always said his father-in-law, Billy Ferguson, was his best friend as well and he had such great admiration and respect for him, sharing a very close bond. Mike was truly a devoted family man, placing his loved ones at the heart of his life. A private family memorial service to honor Mike’s life will be held on September 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Messenger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, located at 8555 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. He will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, reflecting Mike’s commitment to helping others, the family kindly requests donations be made to one of the following: https://lakehavasucity.salvationarmy.org https://nchv.org https://ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org As we celebrate Mike’s life, we find comfort in the words of Psalm 23, a favorite passage that resonated deeply with him: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Mike’s legacy of love, kindness, faith and family will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him.