Keith R. Goetz, age 75, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2025, at Scott County Hospital in Scott City, Kansas. Born on November 1, 1949, in Quinter, Kansas, Keith was the son of Wilbert and Irene (Lipp) Goetz. He graduated from Park High School in 1967 and later answered the call to serve his country as a medic in the United States Army during the Vietnam War — a role he was proud of for the rest of his life.
Keith was, through and through, a good ol’ Western Kansas farm boy — the kind of man whose hands told a story of hard work, and whose heart held fast to home, family, and tradition. A proud dairy farmer, Keith found purpose and peace in the daily rhythm of milking cows and tending to the land. It wasn’t just a job to him — it was a way of life, and he loved it dearly.
He was a loyal member of the Grinnell VFW, and he often said with a grin, “When I get to heaven, I can’t wait to play cards with Ray and Wilbert.” He meant it. Keith loved playing cards — any card game, really — and he was as sharp with a deck as he was with a Sudoku puzzle. His mind stayed sharp, and his competitive spirit never dulled.
A true collector at heart, Keith amassed a legendary library of VHS tapes and VCRs, favoring classic Westerns and comedies. He loved unwinding with old favorites like Bonanza and Gunsmoke, and the glow of a TV was often a backdrop to his evenings.
He was an avid sports fan — cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, K-State, and KU with loyal enthusiasm. Though he claimed not to care for Nebraska sports, he talked about them often enough to raise a few eyebrows and more than a few laughs.
Keith had a deep love for the land. He had a knack for reading a field and was a regular at land auctions, often adding acres to his holdings with the quiet confidence of a man who knew what he was doing. Fishing was a passion he rarely had time for, but that didn’t stop him from practicing his casts across the lawn with a nut tied to his line. He loved baseball in his younger years and treasured horseback rides across the pastures when life allowed.
Above all else, Keith will be remembered for his humble spirit, his sense of humor, his love of the simple things, and his deep devotion to his family, his faith, and his roots.
Keith is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Don (Janice) Goetz, Cindy (Mark) Anderson, and Caroline Goetz; his nieces and nephews, Kelly (Chris) Larson, Jacob Anderson, Jessica Goetz, Lyndsay (Luis) Perez, and Andrew (Lee Ann) Goetz; as well as a host of extended family and dear friends who will feel his absence deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Irene Goetz.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main St., Quinter, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. and a Rosary to follow at 7:30 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 202 Cottonwood St., Park. Keith will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Park. A small repast will follow in the church basement to share food, memories, and stories of Keith — just the way he would’ve wanted.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grainfield American Legion Post #301, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, or for Mass Intentions. Contributions may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.