Zale Quible

Wallace (Wally) Lavern Goff was born September 27, 1934 in Chadron, NE to Waldo and Irene Goff.

Wally grew up in Western Nebraska with distinct memories of helping his parents work in Chadron State Park where they lived for a few years. In his early teens, his father passed away, making Wally the “man of the family.” He fulfilled this responsibility faithfully and cared well for his mother and two sisters.

As a young adult, Wally attended a revival service at Open Door Church on Table Road. During the invitation at the end of the service he went forward. He was led to trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, by Wilford Scott (the same one who had led his father, Waldo, to Christ years earlier). Not long after that he met his future wife, Leora, at a Youth for Christ gathering in the home of her parents Howard and Myrtelle Childerston. They were married at Open Door Church on August 21, 1955. To grow in faith, they both attended Grace Bible Institute in Omaha, NE.

After their first daughter was born, Wallace began his long teaching career at various schools in Nebraska and Wyoming. Three more children were born in rapid succession. Always the provider, he especially cared about the spiritual training of his family. He led Bible-reading devotions, faithfully attending church, and supported parachurch and missionary organizations. He delighted in hearing from and being with family members and friends. Wally and Leora enjoyed 53 years of marriage until she passed away in 2009.

Wally could “fix” almost anything that was broken or needed repair. He often worked on his own vehicles and even worked in an auto parts store for a while. He led a very active lifestyle, enjoying outdoor activities such as camping, hunting and fishing. For years afterward, he would entertain anyone who would listen to the dramatic retelling of his adventures, frequently beginning with “Do you remember when we …?” He loved to serve others and for several years he volunteered at The Ponderosa Villa (a retirement home) in Crawford. 

He and extended family celebrated his 90th birthday two months ago in Crawford, NE. He was peacefully sitting in his favorite chair at home on November 25, 2024 when his Heavenly Father called him Home. 

Preceded in death by: Parents, Waldo and Irene Goff, Wife, Leora (Childerston) Goff, Sister, Helen (Goff) Scott.

Survived by: Brother-in-law, Raymond Scott of Owatonna, MN; Sister, Ila Bartels of Wamego, KS; All four of his children: Daughter, Lana Henry of Marcus, WA; Son, Waldo (Lori) Goff of Crawford, NE; Daughter Leah (Don) Carey of Richardson, TX; Daughter Luella (Chuck) Myers of Lincoln, NE; 13 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 A memorial has been established for Open Door Church or First Congregational Church of Crawford.                                                                   Donations can be mailed to Chamberlain Chapel: P.O. Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.