Jerry Goetz | 1943 - 2023
Obituaries-Mobridge / Posted Apr 17, 2023 | 4:35 PM / 393 views
Jerry G Goetz, 80, of Akaska passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2023, at the Mobridge Regional Hospital after a brief illness. Funeral services will be Friday April 21st, 2023, at 10:30 AM, in Selby at the Lowry Pilgrim Community Church (formerly Selby UCC Church) with burial following lunch at the Akaska Cemetery. A prayer service will be Thursday April 20th at 7pm at Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge with visitation from 5-7pm.
Jerry G. Goetz was born February 26th, 1943, five miles south of Akaska, SD to Edward and Anna Goetz. He had an older sister, Shirley, and a younger brother Ronnie. Jerry attended Ritter’s country school, Akaska school and he graduated from Selby High School in 1961. He went to college at Nettleton and graduated with a degree in business. While at college he met his wife, Ruth Hansen and they were united in marriage on September 22, 1963. After Jerry graduated, they lived in Marshall, Mn and Woonsocket, SD for a short time before moving to Selby SD. While living in Selby he worked at the Selby Equity. They welcomed their first child Todd while living there before settling in Akaska, SD in 1966. After this move, they welcomed Tim, Lisa, and Trent.
Jerry was employed at the Akaska Equity Exchange for 17 years before returning to farming with his father. He raised his family in the great outdoors whenever he could enjoy hunting, fishing, and any outdoors activities they could find.
In 1982 Jerry and Ruth headed the Akaska Diamond Jubilee Committee and helped plan the celebration which was a huge success Akaska style. Jerry and Ruth along with Jerry and Ruby Oxner developed and founded J & R Trailer Courts in Akaska which paved the way to Akaska being the booming fishing community it became just a few short years later.
Jerry had a special bond with his dogs he raised beginning with his very first, a german short hair named Jeff. He had a knack for training that could never be taught. He bred many blue heeler/border collie puppies which have been sought after in many states. Some of his most memorable companions were Zek, Mikey and Dummy and his more recent English Springer Spaniels Charlie, and his companion Lacey he leaves behind. Jerry and Lacey had a special bond that could not be surpassed by any human.
Pure joy filled the heart of Jerry when he met his dear friend Carolyn Schmit 18 years ago. Jerry and Carolyn had a connection to the fun things in life and did many activities together. They enjoyed each other’s company and traveled together in their earlier years. He loved spending time with all of Carolyn’s family at their many holidays and activities together. They were an amazing extension of his family, and all were dear to him.
Jerry was a true farmer and outdoorsman at heart continuing to drive to his farm daily to feed his chickens, cats, work in his community sweet corn patch and garden until his recent illness began in March. During his short illness he loved watching the calves being born on the video cameras that Todd, EJ and Levi had installed on his new iphone. He despised that phone but loved the entertainment it gave him to pass the day. Him and Alexa also had a difficult time communicating.
If you knew Jerry, he was always true to his word, and you never had to wonder what was on his mind. He was active in Hiddenwood Sportsman Club, Lowry Pilgram Church, was a volunteer fire fighter for many years, Akaska City Councilman and was instrumental in the capture of the pot plane which was labeled the Biggest Bust in South Dakota in 1980.
Jerry is survived by his companion Lacey and dear friend Carolyn, sons Todd (EJ) Goetz, Selby, SD Tim (Diane) Goetz, Miller, SD Lisa (Dana) Merkel, Mobridge, SD, Trent (Carli) Goetz, Selby, SD, one sister: Shirley Schilling, Akaska, SD Grandchildren: Renita, Levi, Michaela, Derik, Rachel, Michelle, Brooke, Dalton, Justin and Cole and great grandchildren: Swayze, Cloe, Jace, Claira, and Ryker.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Anna and brother Ronnie.