Ingrid W. Goeschko

Ingrid Goeschko of Germantown, WI, passed away July 17, 2026 after a brief illness. Ingrid was born in the borough of Wandsbeck in Hamburg, Germany on April 26, 1929, the youngest child of Max Roman Kaschubowski and Martha Bouslair. She immigrated to the United States in 1958, joining her elder sister Liesel in Milwaukee. While working in her brother-in-law’s butcher shop shortly after arriving, she began dating a customer, Harry Goeschko, whom she married a few months later on October 4, 1958. Ingrid and Harry enjoyed 56 wonderful years together before Harry’s passing in 2014.

Educated in Germany as a bookkeeper, Ingrid worked for M&I Bank before taking a long hiatus to raise children. She returned as a bookkeeper for circuit board manufacturer Electrotek Inc. in the early 1980s, ultimately becoming their purchasing manager before retiring. Ingrid loved traveling and the outdoors and with Harry and children explored many parts of the United States on camping trips. She was also an avid gardener and passionate music lover (especially Mozart), and was known for pulling out her accordion at Christmas and leading everyone in the singing of carols before opening gifts. Ingrid loved dancing, swimming, baking, photography, German crossword puzzles, playing cards, spending time with family and friends and visits from her “grandpup” Holly.

Ingrid was proud of her German heritage and served as the Treasurer for the Klub der Pommern into her 90s when she felt someone younger should take over. She also volunteered for many years in the herring booth at German Fest. Ingrid had a large group of close German friends with whom she spent much time, including monthly birthday gatherings. The family extends heartfelt thanks to that entire group for those countless years of loyal friendship and the many visits in Ingrid’s final days.

Ingrid is survived by her children, Norman (Karen) Goeschko of Lake Mills, WI and Annette (Tim) Trenkle of Germantown, WI, her beloved grandchildren Gabrielle (Gabriel), Skaidra, Lillijana, Benito and Annalis, her nieces Kirsten (Steve) and Margaret (Harrold) and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry and her 4 siblings.

A Celebration of Life gathering for Ingrid will be held in the Riverview Room of the Schuetze Recreation Center in Waukesha on October 3, beginning at 3:30 p.m. with an informal service at 4:30 p.m. and food to follow. Dress colorfully.

As Ingrid experienced much hunger in her childhood years in war torn Germany, in lieu of flowers please donate to your local Food Pantry so others do not have to suffer that same experience.