Bernard George Goetze
December 18, 1932 - January 4, 2011
Bernard G. Goetze, 78, of Bluffs died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 at the Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville. He was born Dec. 18, 1932 in Glasford, IL the son of John and Minnie Richel Goetze. Bernard married Frances Oakes July 17, 1964 in Bluffs. She survives in Bluffs. Also surviving are two children, Rae Ann (Steve) Smith of Waverly and Rodney (fiancée, Heidi Megginson) of Bluffs; three grandchildren, Nathan and Luke Smith, and Gracie Goetze; three sisters, Jean Fisher and Dolores Laird both of Champaign, and Betty Burritt of Denver, CO; and one brother, Duane Goetze of Glasford, IL. Bernard graduated for the University of Illinois. He taught school at Bluffs High School for nineteen years and Winchester High School for seventeen years. In 1984 he received the Agriculture Teacher of the Year Award from the State of Illinois. He also worked for IFP in Jacksonville and Tipsord's Turf & Landscape in Winchester before retiring. Bernard was an Army veteran. He was a member of the Bluffs United Methodist Church, Park Board, Lions Club, and American Legion. Bernard’s love of gardening, especially flower gardening, led him to develop gardens that were enjoyed by everyone. He also enjoyed fishing with the grandchildren and attending his grandchildren’s basketball games. Memorials may be made to the Bluffs United Methodist Church or the Meredosia-Bluffs Rescue Squad. Condolences may be left on line at www.mackeydaws.com.
Bernard G. Goetze, 78, of Bluffs died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011 at the Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville. He was born Dec. 18, 1932 in Glasford, IL the son of John and Minnie Richel Goetze. Bernard married Frances Oakes July 17, 1964 in Bluffs.... View Obituary & Service Information