Jeffery Scott "Jeff" Gouker, of Goshen, passed away at Memorial Hospital of South Bend on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 3:55 p.m. In a moment filled with quiet divine poetry, Jeff suffered a health episode as he and his beloved wife were entering their church to worship—his new Bible still clutched in his hand. That final moment of devotion has only strengthened the faith and spiritual resolve of his family.

True to the way he lived, Jeff's final act was one of love and generosity. He was a registered universal organ donor, offering the gift of life to others even in his passing. His family walked with him in the final honor walk through the halls of Memorial Hospital, praising God's mercy with hearts full of sorrow, gratitude, and bittersweet pride.

Jeff was born on May 22, 1968, in Goshen, the cherished son of Donald C. and Veronica (Castaneda) Gouker. Then, in 2012, he married his childhood sweetheart Ronni Lynn Yoder in an outdoor ceremony in Middlebury under a giant concrete mushroom by their good friend, the late Brent Langdon.  Jeff and Ronni had a long history with each other, as she fondly recalled them playing together when they were 5 and 4, respectively.

Besides his beloved Ronni and his parents, Jeff is survived by his son, Brandon T. Gouker of Goshen; daughters Krystal M. (Jason) Stapleton of Goshen and Sabrina M. (Chadd Harris) Gouker of South Bend; his sister Stephanie L. (James) Dance of Goshen; and several nieces and nephews. Also mourning Jeff's passing are his three dogs—Luna, Lola, and Dinkey-Doo—none of whom could be reached for comment. Jeff loved loading up Ronni and the dogs and heading someplace wild and outdoorsy, where the dogs could run free while he and Ronni watched, laughed, and soaked it all in.

In accordance with Jeff's and Ronni's wishes, cremation will take place, followed by a memorial visitation and service at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Elkhart. While the exact date and time is still pending, Jeff will be honored by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard, the Elkhart County Funeral Honor Guard, and the Northern Indiana Patriot Guard Freedom Riders, followed by a brief service officiated by Jeff's pastor, Reverend Jim Brown of Grace Community Church in Goshen. No burial is planned, as Jeff is going home with his family. Fittingly, Ronni's wish is to finish the worship service Jeff was on his way to attend that fateful Sunday morning.

And now—because Jeff absolutely would expect it—this is where the obituary takes a sharp turn.

Jeff was, quite simply, a three-ring circus wrapped into one human being. Fun, fearless, unabashed, unorthodox, and—according to some—a little unhinged, Jeff embraced every minute of life with enthusiasm and invited everyone around him to do the same. A proud self-proclaimed geek and nerd, he loved all things Marvel, dabbled in martial arts, and spent more than 20 years as an amateur ghost hunter—long before it was cool on television. He adored animals, especially his dogs, and kept an impressive collection of exotic pets and insects, which will not be mentioned by name because Ronni would still like people to visit.

Jeff was legendary for his love of holidays, especially Halloween, which he celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm. Bigger, spookier, louder—those were always his goals. His home featured an army of motion-sensor animatronics designed to scare the absolute bejeezus out of unsuspecting guests. He and Ronni proudly maintained their year-round "HallowThanksMas" tree, redecorating it continuously for whatever holiday was coming next. Jeff loved costumes, too—the more irreverent, the better.

But beneath all that humor beat a deeply loyal, patriotic and generous heart. Jeff was a six-year veteran of the United States Navy, stationed in Pensacola, Florida, where he served proudly aboard the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Lexington, affectionately known as the "Lady Lex." As her coxswain, Jeff liked to remind people—(because why wouldn't you)—that he drove an aircraft carrier. He also ran the ship's paint room, where it was often joked he had every color imaginable…except gray.

Jeff's love for animals extended beyond his own home, as he spent years rehabilitating pit bulls at the Elkhart County Humane Society, helping give misunderstood dogs a second chance. He was a devoted heavy-metal fan, attending concerts featuring Ronnie James Dio, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, and many others. He loved spontaneous road trips—especially to Sturgis, Michigan, for Hot-N-Now hamburgers—practical jokes, long beach days, and being surrounded by people. He loved fiercely, laughed loudly, and lived socially, unapologetically, and completely. He also firmly believed that Godzilla was his spirit animal, and honestly, no one ever argued with him.

Perhaps Jeff said it best himself:

"I have flown onto an aircraft carrier out at sea and have driven said carrier. I've seen the 'green flash' at sea. I've seen the Northern Lights both during summer and winter (winter was more spectacular). I've seen a whale in its natural habitat and watched a pod of porpoises race alongside my ship. I've been to Europe and Cuba. I've been to Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and a sword-making factory in a castle in Madrid. I've crossed the English Channel and seen the Cliffs of Dover. I've ghost hunted for over 20 years, back before it got popular on TV. Looking back, I must say—I have lived quite a charmed life."

Indeed you have, Jeff. Indeed you have.