GOETSCH, William E. 1848-1935

GOETSCH, KRUEGER, THOMAS, EVANS

Posted By: IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 11/3/2010 at 14:44:51

Cresco, November 6, 1935, page 5

William E. Goetsch

Mr. William E. Goetsch of Albion township, Howard county, Iowa, passed away at his home Monday morning, October 28, 1935, at the age of eighty-seven years, nine months and twenty-five days. He leaves to mourn, two daughters, four sons, fifteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, 1 brother and three sisters. His wife, one daughter, one granddaughter, two sisters and three brothers have preceded him in death.

William Goetsch was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, Jan. 3, 1848. He was educated in the common schools of Emmet township, Dodge county, Wis. and at the Northwestern Academy, Watertown, Wis. In 1872 he was united in marriage with Bertha Krueger of Watertown, Wis. Previous to his coming to Iowa, Mr Goetsch, with two of his brothers, was engaged in the mercantile business. In March, 1879, he located in Winneshiek county where he endured all of the hardship of the sturdy pioneer. In the spring of 1882 he purchased a farm in Albion township where he has resided for the past 53 years.

During all these years he was considered by all who knew him as a highly respected citizen; always taking an interest in those worthwhile affairs of life which make a community a better place in which to live. He was both interested in politics and in education. He served Albion township as assessor and for fifty years he served as secretary of the local school board. In his
early teens, Mr. Goetsch united with the Baptist church near Watertown, Wis. and for the past forty-five years he has been a member of the Zion Evangelical church.

Mr. Goetsch exemplified the trial of life in faith, hope and charity. He had faith in man, in his country and in his God. In all of his endeavors he always hoped for the best and never anticipated the worst. He was charitable to those in need and anxious to lend a helping hand. He loved his family and considered each member a companion, they in turn looked upon him as a faithful husband and kind father. The remembrance of his life and the anticipation resulting from his career will always be a consoling influence to those who knew him.

Mr. Goetsch's life was like that of a sturdy oak, four-score and seven years, filled with useful service and varied experiences. His later years can be characteristically portrayed in the late Henry Von Dyke's poem, "A Mile With Me."

Oh, who will walk a mile with me,
Along life's weary way?
A friend whose heart has eyes to see
The stars shine out o'er the darkening lea,
And the quiet rest at the end of day,
A friend who knows and dares to say,
The brave, sweet words that cheer the way
Where he walks a mile with me.
With such a comrade, such a friend,
I fain would walk till journeys end,
Through summer sunshine, winter rain,
And then, Farewell, we shall meet again!

The funeral was conducted at the Zion Evangelical church Wednesday afternoon, in charge of Rev. Park B. Miller, pastor. Rev. A. W. Schlesselman of Laurel, Ia., a former pastor, preached the sermon. Two numbers, "Going Down the Valley" and "Meet Me There," were rendered by a mixed quartet and Rev. and Mrs. Schlesselman sang "Only Shadows." The floral tributes were very beautiful. The body was laid to rest in the family lot in Cedar Hill cemetery.

Those in attendance at the funeral from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Goetsch, of Chicago, Illinois; Mrs. Albert Goetsch and Ernest and Lester Buelke from Juneau, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Alex Krueger, Miss Ida Goetsch, Albert Krueger and Ernest Goetsch, all of Watertown, Wis.; Mrs. Jake Kramer and son Edward of Dexter, Ia; Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Goetsch of Cedar Falls, Ia; George Volkman of Henrytown. Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Groth and Mr. and Mrs. George Weidlel of Fredricksburg, Ia., besides a large number of near relatives and friends from surrounding Iowa and community.

Card of Thanks.
We wish to express our appreciation to the many friends who called upon our loving father during his short period of illness and for the consoling words spoken in his behalf and also for the many floral tributes. These friends are never to be forgotten and to whom we express our gratitude in this hour when we mourn the loss of one whose place in our life will never be filled.

Arthur E. Goetsch
Alexander J. Goetsch
Mrs. T O. Thomas
Edward W. Goetsch
Mrs. H. R. Evans
William P. Goetsch.

Obituaries found in the Howard-Winneshiek Genealogy Society Library, Cresco, Iowa and contributed by Janice Sowers, 2010. Transcribed by an IA GenWeb Volunteer.