Christopher (Chris) F. Goeckel, 64, of Zellwood, FL, unexpectedly passed away in a tragic bicycling accident on February 3rd, 2024. His death is both shocking and devastating, and it is felt deeply by his family and countless others who loved him.
Chris would say his most important roles in life were that of a husband and a father. He had a deep love for his family. For those of you that befriended him on Facebook, you know the obvious pride he took in them and the overwhelming love he had for them. He married the love of his life Cynthia (Cindy) Crackel on July 28th, 1985, in Las Vegas, Nevada. And together, Chris and Cindy called East Lansing, Michigan, home, where they raised their two daughters Amy and Alyssa before eventually retiring to Zellwood, Florida, in 2019.
Chris was a lover of the arts and was an active participant of the local theater community in Lansing. Growing up, his daughters were very involved in theater, some of their fondest memories include their dad taking them to all their auditions, rehearsals, and always sitting front row at their performances…unless of course, he was on stage with them. What started as a way to connect with his children, blossomed into a wonderful passion for him. Chris spent almost two decades acting in various shows at community theaters in the greater Lansing area, playing parts from Frankenstein to a Colonel in M.A.S.H.
Chris was a die-hard Michigan State Fan, putting the three women in his life through school there. Some of Chris’ daughters other fond memories are the times their dad would take them to Michigan State sporting events on campus, and some of their not so fond memories include him screaming at the TV for his beloved Spartans.
Chris was also a proud retiree. His ultimate life goal was to retire to Zellwood, Florida, to live in his late parents’ home with his beloved wife and he achieved just that. The last few years of his life were spent tending to his beautiful flowers, going on bike rides with his dog, Max, visiting his brother-in-law, Bobby, in Cocoa Beach, and of course, posting photos of events and nature for his friends and community to enjoy.
He was born on July 31st, 1959, to Betty and Fred Goeckel in Buffalo, New York and was one of five children: Carleen, Bob, his late brother Dave, and Sandy. He grew up in Mentor, Ohio, and studied Business and Spanish at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He spent several months attending Facultad de Filosofía y Letras – Universidad de Valladolid in Spain as a part of his college education. He spent the majority of his career as a Branch Manager at ABF Freight for 35 years.
Chris was truly a one of a kind man. He was kind, fair, and had a huge heart. The lessons he would have liked to impart on us all would be to love and be loved, to work hard, play hard, and to always live by the Golden Rule. This world will not be the same without him; without his photos on all of our facebook feeds, his fabulous cooking, and his family’s favorite thing: his infectious laugh. He will be very, very missed.
Services will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mount Dora, Florida, on February 21st, 2024, at 9am EST followed by a luncheon at 11am EST in their neighborhood at the Zellwood Station Depot. The service will be recorded and posted to the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church’s website, for those who are unable to attend. A Celebration of Life will be held at Reno’s East in East Lansing, Michigan, on February 24th from 3pm-6pm EST. There is an RSVP form to fill out for the Celebration of Life, so the family can notify the restaurant.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverwalk Theatre, Good Samaritans of Zellwood Station, or the American Heart Association.
Good Samaritans of Zellwood
Linda Leonard
2122 Nectar Circle
Zellwood, FL 32798
Riverwalk Theatre
In Memory of Chris Goeckel
PO Box 12249
Lansing, MI 48901
American Heart Association
ahatribute.funraise.org/fundraiser/alyssa-goeckel
Please click the following link to RSVP to the Celebration of Life
Compass Pointe Funeral Services Obituaries Serving Central Florida 407.797.6200 
Chris was such a larger than life person. His joy in life was contagious. He will be deeply missed by all of us whose life he touched. I am heartbroken for all of you. My deepest condolences on this great loss.
Chris was a wonderful human being. I enjoyed every minute working with him on theatre productions in Lansing, the most memorable being The Sound of Music with the Chris and the girls. Love, and lots of it, to Amy and Alyssa.
Cindy, I’ve been looking for words to express my sorrow over the loss of Chris, your love and life. The truth is I haven’t been able to find ones that are adequate to speak to this sudden tragic loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and the girls and praying that you find comfort in your wonderful memories of his life well lived. I haven’t forgotten how you comforted me through my own loss just by listening. You are a strong woman. I know this will help you and your daughters in the days to come. I am so sorry.
Our family learned of Chris’s passing 2/7/2024. We were shocked and saddened to hear of it. Chris took his biking seriously to stay healthy after his heart surgery. How unfortunate that one of the things he enjoyed so much was involved in his untimely death. Chris and Cindy were wonderful EL neighbors. We cannot fathom how Cindy, Amy and Alyssa are dealing with such a loss.
We wish you comfort and peace to help ease the grief. A special shout out to Alyssa who was a fixture in our house for a time when she was young. We send you a loving hug. Our hearts are with you three, the rest of the family and Chris’s friends at this time. Too wonderful a man to ever be forgotten, RIP Chris. It’s never good bye, but until u r reunited again…
Melissa, Steve and Morgan McGrath
To Alyssa, Amy and Cindy
I am incredibly shocked to hear about Chris. He was like my second dad and was always welcoming when I would stay over at your guys’ house when I was younger. I loved going to the theater rehearsals with Alyssa and Chris. He was so great in the musical with Alyssa being a little devil child and he played her dad, though the name of that play escapes me now. I also remember going with you guys to pick up your new Boston terriers Chip and Spartan, and your dad was so excited to bring them home! Some of my happiest memories from childhood are with your family.
I’m so so so sorry to hear about this, and I am sending you tons of love and strength!
Tess (Bladen) Dunbar