Jonathan Christian Goebel

Jonathan Christian Goebel

On Tuesday evening, March 12, 2024, Jonathan "Jon" Christian Goebel went to be with the Lord Jesus through complications arising while undergoing heart surgery at Loma Linda Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA. Jon was 75 years old. He was a resident of Ridgecrest, CA at the time of his passing.

Jon was born July 28, 1948 in Fargo, ND to Homer and Mildred Goebel. He served in the U.S. Air Force from September 1970 and earned his Master of Arts in Public Administration in 1985. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Major in 1990 with many medals, awards and commendations awarded throughout his time of service: Meritorious service medal with two oak leaf clusters, AF commendation medal with three oak leaf clusters, AF outstanding unit award with four oak leaf clusters, Combat readiness medal with oak leaf cluster, National defense service medal, Armed forces expeditionary medal, Humanitarian service medal with "2" device, AF overseas ribbon-short tour, AF overseas ribbon-long tour, AF longevity service award ribbon with four oak leaf clusters, small arms expert marksmanship ribbon, and AF training ribbon.

Jon met his wife, Sarah, and they were married in 1996. He joined Sarah to work in her communications business until the Lord called them to full-time ministry in 1998. They eventually were sent from their church to plant a church in Lumberton, NC in 2003 where they served for 7 years. Jon also served as Dean of Students from 2007 to 2008 at Grace College of Divinity (now Manna University) at its early beginnings. Jon earned his Master of Theology Studies from Liberty University, Lynchburg VA in 2013. He served together with Sarah in pastoral ministry at Trona Foursquare Church in Trona, CA 2015-2019 and Jon continued there during 2021. In 2021 Jon joined the staff of Grace Connection Bible Fellowship, a church previously planted in 2018 by his wife Sarah. He served faithfully there as an Associate Pastor until his recent passing.

Jon growing up on a lake in MN thoroughly enjoyed fishing, and for many years into his adult life, he was an avid golfer. In his later life, he loved preaching God's Word, watching college basketball - especially Carolina Tarheels. When resting, he liked the challenge of solitaire, and playing with their standard poodle Elijah until he died in 2022 after providing 14 years of companionship. Other favorite activities included the beach, unwinding with a glass of wine and doing anything and everything with his wife, Sarah. Jon walked in humility, had great character and was also known and loved for his witty and dry sense of humor that brought smiles and laughter to those who knew him.

Jon is preceded in death by his father Homer, his mother Mildred and his brother Homer, Jr. He is survived by his wife Sarah, stepchildren Ginger Gill (Chris), Jason Webb (Marina), grandsons Alexander Logan Gill and Ivan Jason Webb. He is also survived by siblings of twin brothers Brian and Bruce (Michelle), and one sister Kathryn Gilberts (Todd). He loved all of his family, and church family. He was grateful and appreciative for them.

A service will be held Saturday, March 23 at 11:30 am at Grace Connection Bible Fellowship to honor and celebrate Jon's life. 114 Gemstone Street, Ridgecrest, CA. A light lunch will follow service.