Jerome (Jerry) William Goetz was born November 21, 1932, to William and Irma (Gallagher) Goetz on their family farm ten miles north of Park, Kansas. He lived on the farm and attended a country school north of Park until 1947 when he joined Park High School where he met his future wife, Alice Marqueling. The two enjoyed attending local baseball games--where he was a pitcher--and local dances and movies. The two were married on July 29, 1952. They then moved to their own farm four miles north of Park where they shared 71 years together. They began with milk cows, chickens, pigs, and a garden. At the time of his death Jerry had grown his small cattle operation of around ten dairy cattle into a second-generation enterprise of over 3,000 cattle in a feedlot run by his youngest son, Don.
Jerry was well-known in the region for buying cattle, which was his true passion. He could be found weekly at the sale barns in WaKeeney, LaCrosse, Plainville, Norton, Oakley, and Oberlin. His sons Daryl, Dale, and Don took to the business each in their own way. Daryl became a truck driver and started his own cattle hauling business. Dale took to mechanics and raising cattle, eventually starting his own feedlot and farm. Don excelled at the cattle business and worked with his parents every day to grow the feedlot and farm and continues running it to this day.
Jerry was a beloved father to not only his three sons but also his daughter, Connie. Jerry and Alice enjoyed life together on the farm and also liked traveling. They enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Colorado, New Mexico, and Alaska, and also enjoyed visiting the casinos in Dodge City and Topeka. Their family of six ultimately grew to 15 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Jerry and Alice loved bringing the large family together for Christmas every year and, later in life as the family extended geographically, they met twice a year in Salina to keep the family ties together.
Jerry is remembered for his business acumen but also for his tender moments teaching children and grandchildren about life on the farm.
He is proceeded in death by parents William and Irma and sister Edna Heier. He is survived by beloved wife, Alice, of Park; four children Connie (Doc) Reynolds of Winfield, Daryl (Cheryl) of Park, Dale (Dena) of Park, Don (Doreen) of Park; fifteen grandchildren Kayla (John) Cartlidge of Winfield, Kara (Corey) Young of Winfield, Kellie (Scotty) Gatewood of Winfield; Monica (Daren) Guy of Hays, Melanie Goetz of Colby, Justin (Kayla) Goetz of Park, Michelle (Steve) Bremenkamp of Colby, Christin (Matt) Merwald of Omaha, Mandy Goetz of Otoe, Nebraska, Alan Goetz of Elwood, Amber (Heath) Hutchison of Park, Dallas (Shawna) Goetz of Grainfield, Brandi (Trevor) Lowe of Hoisington, Nathan (Ellie) Goetz of Hays, Lanae (Karter) Gonzales of Lenexa; and 29 great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Church, Park on Monday, May 20, 2024, 10:00 a.m. followed by burial at the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Schmitt Funeral Home, Quinter on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. followed by the vigil at 7:00.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Sacred Heart Church, Park or for masses.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guest book at www.schmittfuneral.com.