Ralph Allen Goekler, 84, of Marshall, IL was born April 28, 1938 in Terre Haute, IN, the son of Ralph and Lurlyne Allen Goekler and deprted this life 6:23 AM Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in Marshall Rehabilitation and Nursing. On June 21, 1959 he married the love of his life, Peggy Fitzjarrald at Marshall, IL. Surviving are a daughter, Kimberly Goekler (Michael) Pearman; two grandchildren, Ashlee and Zachary Pearman; a brother, Lewis Goekler of Marshall ; a sister, Elaine Goekler Gruber of Lake Villa, IL and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years on Aug. 20, 2020; a son, Timothy; and his parents. Allen was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Marshall, Marshall Masonic Lodge 133 AF & AM, a fifty plus years member of the former Lancelot Lodge #67 of the Marshall Knights of Pythias. Most of his career was spent in the automotive industry having been in sales of the former Goekler Chevrolet and Buick dealership in Marshall; former parts manager at the former Flowers Pontiac, GMC and John Deere Implement of Marshall. He served this nation in the U.S. Army Reserves as a SP-4 from 1961 through 1967. A graduate of Marshall High School, he later attended Eastern Illinois University. Allen also received a diploma from the General Motors School of Merchandising and Management from Wayne State University and was a member of the Society of Parts Professionals. Allen was always thankful for all who passed through his life. He truly felt that very few had been as blessed as he in having such wonderful, caring and loving family and friends. He lived his life by practicing Genesis 3/19, “By the sweat of your brow you will have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made, for you were made from dust and to dust you will return”. Masonic services will be 2:00 PM Sunday at Pearce Funeral Home with graveside services immediately following at Marshall Cemetery with Pastor Robert Sabo officiating. Visitation will be 12 Noon until 2:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Marshall Cemetery Association. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralhome.com.