MADISON - Florence Edna (Dary) Goke, age 83, of Madison passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Florence was born on November 13, 1941, in Hustisford, Wis., and was the youngest daughter of Harold and Velma (Bender) Dary.

Florence grew up on a dairy farm outside of Bloom City, Wis., and graduated from West Lima High School in 1959. She moved to Madison and worked as a banker with American Exchange Bank. She met the love of her life, David C. Goke, and they married on February 20, 1965. Together, Florence and David had two children: Shelly and Michael.

Florence spent many hours outside her home with David, working in their flower and vegetable gardens. Later in life, Florence found she had a talent and patience for watercolor painting. Quality was important to Florence, and this was evident in the long-term relationships she created and nurtured. She loved nature, upbeat music, and playing games with family. Florence was a quiet but steady force in the lives of those she loved. She was a loyal friend, deeply committed to her family, dependable, thoughtful with her words, and able to keep a secret. Florence will remain one of the finest humans we have ever known, and we will miss her greatly.

Florence is survived by her daughter, Shelly (JT) Lehman of Round Rock, Texas; her son, Michael (Sandy) Goke of Cottage Grove, Wis.; and four grandchildren, Lexie Goke, Emma Goke, Katherine Lehman, and Kyle Lehman. She is also survived by nephews, Steve (Brenda) Dary of Piedmont, S.D., and Kevin (Jennifer) Dary of Rapid City, S.D.; niece, Sue (Jack) Fowler of Glen Carbon, Ill.; as well as sister-in-law, Judy Goke of Cottage Grove, Wis.; and loving nieces and nephews on her husband’s side.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, David; her brother, Harold Laverne (Darlene) Dary; her sister, Mariel (Jim) Diettert; her parents and her in-laws, Lester (Sylvia) Goke, Roger Goke, Doris (Clair) Barth, and Gary Goke.

A public visitation will take place at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. After the visitation, the immediate family will hold a private burial at Highland Memory Garden in Cottage Grove.

In lieu of flowers, direct memorials in Florence’s memory to Agrace Hospice, in appreciation for the special care they provided to Florence. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Florence E. Goke

November 13, 1941 - February 11, 2025

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