Robert M. Van Goethem

Robert Maurice Van Goethem Husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, police officer, Marine, lover of horses and the outdoors ~ Robert Maurice Van Goethem, of Louisburg, KS., born November 10, 1926, in Kansas City, Kansas, son of Maurice and Martha Van Goethem, passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2011 While a Marine during WW II, Bob spent time on the USS Houston. Following his honorable discharge, he was employed by Simmons Mattress Firm. Bob"s desire was to serve his community and thus he joined the Prairie Village Police Department in 1960. He served as a detective both for the department and on the Metro Squad, retiring with the rank of Sergeant in 1980. Moving to Paola, Kansas, Bob joined the Sheriff"s Department, serving the community of Miami County as a detective, investigator and undersheriff; retiring in 1993. Bob was a faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Louisburg, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Linda; son, David and wife, Cheryl of Stilwell, Kansas; son, Daniel and wife, Theresa, Kansas City, Kansas; son, Jeff Myers and wife, Elizabeth, New Braunfels, Texas; daughter, Diane Armon and husband, Allen, Fairway, Kansas; and daughter, Jan Mundt and husband, Tim, Seguin, Texas. Bob was most proud of his 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Albert and grandson, John. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob"s honor to St. Labre Indian School Educational Association PO Box 216 Ashland, MT 59003-0216 or a charity of your choice. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 606 South Elm Street Louisburg, KS 66053 Service: Saturday, July 30, 2011 11:00 AM Visitation: Saturday, July 30, 2011 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM