Dennis Goeller, 74, of Willard, MO left his earthly home to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, August 10, 2016.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Daniel Oscar and Esther Kathryn (Amaya) and his sister, Ladine.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Connie (DeRycke-Bourassa); his children Robert (wife, Thess), Chris (wife, Stacey), Justin King (wife, Riana), Tiphanie Renee Bourassa, Camay Miller (husband, Ryan) and his sister; Patricia. His 15 grandchildren; Andrea, Christian, Daniel, Alysssa, Carissa, Jaymar, Benjamin and William (Rob, father); Joslynne and William (Chris, father); Alex and Lauren (Justin King, father); and Jordan, Makenzie and Bray (Camay Miller, mother).

Dennis attended North Point Church, Springfield with his wife, Connie, since purchasing his "20 acre dream property" in Willard, MO. Prior to moving to Missouri Dennis had resided in Laveen and Phoenix, AZ for over 40 years collectively where he owned horse properties; raised cattle, rabbits and even pit cooked a goat on occasion. Dennis was a true cowboy; sporting his black Stetson hat, boots and his "stand in the corner starched" wranglers and shirt. He was as handsome to Connie as they come, she loved her cowboy. He placed 7th in the World in calf roping in 1988. His championship horses, Johns Bay Rocket and Smokey Owen took him to receive many prize winnings over the years.

His three boys have many fond memories of hunting, fishing, camping and cowboying with their dad through their youth and beyond. All of his grandchildren and lots of friends' children have fond memories of learning to ride a horse through Dennis' instruction. He didn't allow fear to interfere with the transfer of his love for horses. He owned his own Insurance agency and for recreation he calf roped, camped, hunted and fished. He was as good with a bow as he was with a gun. He served with the South Mountain Sheriff's posse in Phoenix/Laveen for many years. Anyone who was lucky enough to recreate with him ate like a king. He even had a grill on his pontoon boat for those extended day and late night fishing trips. Dennis was a fabulous cook and it didn't matter if it was at home or over a campfire - your meal was INCREDIBLE. His friend, Bob Henry, of 40+ years always said if Dennis wasn't eating, he was thinking about the creation of his next meal. A BBQ ribs dinner with coleslaw and beans and finished off with Strawberry Cheesecake always was a requested favorite. He even astounded everyone on one of his pack trips on a HOT Arizona day and after a long ride and dinner when he offered dessert; dump cobbler and ice cream kept rock-solid and cold on dry ice. He was one that if you knew Dennis was coming you were elated to have meal time come around.

When he and Connie married he began attending Phoenix First Assembly of God with her where he recommitted his life to Christ. He started the Goeller Foundation in AZ to help spread the gospel; he said "I cannot preach but I can raise money" and that was the beginning of the foundation. Shortly after moving to Missouri he went on a mission trip to Nicaragua - he was never the same about his walk with Christ after that trip. Dennis ushered at North Point for years - he loved getting acquainted with those sitting in his section. He loved the outreach opportunities with his church; he loved seeing the changed lives and it was often from behind a grill of hotdogs he was cooking.

Dennis will be sorely missed by his wife, family, friends, his church and the kids he taught to use a water yoyo. In the last four years of his life he had gotten involved with barnwood and his creations were sought after. Come to find out his son Rob studied the family ancestry and found the Goeller's originated in MO and OK after arriving from Germany. Dennis was drawn to locations that held good fishing and hunting. His birthday celebration requirement was "being on the water." His property offered him a catch and release when he would fish in one of his three ponds and a "no hunting" rule for the pet deer, turkey, geese and birds of many colors and breeds. Dennis didn't want to leave his precious "dream property" but he is assuredly happier walking Golden Streets and splashing in the Crystal Sea. He has seen the lion sitting with the lamb and will have been able to touch the Nail Scarred hands of Jesus. If you have not made the same decision to follow Jesus will you please make that choice today and plan to see Dennis again when your life ends. Make Heaven your home - Dennis's life was but a blink and now has eternity to enjoy.

Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2016, starting at 6 p.m., North Point Church, 3401 W. Norton Road, Springfield, MO 65803.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be given to North Point Church Community Give Back Fund, 3401 W. Norton Rd., Springfield, MO 65803, online or by text.