James Henry Goebbert, 94, of Huntley, died peacefully at his home on June 17, 2023.
James was born May 28, 1929, the son of George and Ernestine Goebbert. On June 8, 1929 he was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church. He graduated from Arlington Heights High School and went on to serve in the United States Marines from 1951-1953. On November 17, 1956, he married Esther Von Bergen at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Itasca, IL. He served on the Cook County Extension Council for six years. In 1974 he was elected to the Cook County Farm Bureau and served in various roles until 2006.
Jim from an early age had a strong work ethic while tending his family’s farm. In 1972, Jim bought his own 40 acre farm in South Barrington and moved his family there. Jim’s three children started selling pumpkins on the roadside in 1973 which started the annual fall festivals that have become a tradition for many local families. Jim owned and operated Goebbert’s Farm and Garden Center in South Barrington and Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch in Pingree Grove.
Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Esther, his children, Luanne (Curtis) Smith, Lee (Diane) Goebbert, Lloyd (Terry) Goebbert, by his grandchildren, Kelly (Ross) Conner, Ben (Jen) Goebbert, Jessica (Simon) Crass, Jacob (Heather) Goebbert, James (Brittany) Goebbert, John (Luis) Smith, and Ryan (Kaleigh) Smith. He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren and by his sister, Lilah Lichthardt.
James was preceded in death by his parents George and Ernestine Goebbert and his brother-in-law Eugene Lichthardt.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023, from 3-8pm at The Venue at Goebbert’s Farm — 42W813 Reinking Road, Pingree Grove, IL 60140. An additional visitation will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 9-10am followed by a funeral service at 10am at Immanuel Lutheran Church — 310 E. Main Street, East Dundee, IL 60118. The burial will be in Ridgewood Cemetery in Des Plaines.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church Foundation, Immanuel Lutheran School, or to a charity of one’s choice.
For further information please contact the funeral home at (847) 515-8772, and online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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He is truly loved by so many! He leaves behind an incredible legacy!
I'm truly going to miss Grandpa. Rest in peace, he will always love in our hearts.
I am so honored to be part of the farm family that started with Jim! His smiling face with be greatly missed by so many! Hugs to the entire family!
James, so sorry to hear about your Grandfather. From one of our conversations I remember what an influence he was in your life. He taught you well.
Our hearts are heavy with sadness, yet so grateful to have known this amazing man, farmer, and head of a beautiful family. Our love and prayers are with Esther.
So very sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful person and enriched many lives. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
My deepest condolences for the lost I knew grandpa and he was amazing and dedicated to work
So very sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful person and enriched many lives. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Goebbert . He was one of the nicest people I was blessed to have known. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and especially to Esther. Rest in heavenly peace, Mr. G.