Edmund William Goettertz, 85, has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
Below, the family shares some of what made his life meaningful.
Born in 1933, Edmund began a life that would touch many along the way.
Edmund held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Service is its own kind of love — quiet, steady, often unseen.
Mass of Christian Burial for Edmund William Goettertz, 85, of Viborg will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, May 5, 2018 at St. Boniface Idylwilde Catholic Church, rural Freeman, South Dakota. Father Randy Phillips will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Boniface Parish Cemetery. There will be visitation at the church, with family present, on Friday, May 4th, from 6-7, with a rosary and liturgical wake service at 7:00 pm. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. Edmund died at home, while under the care of Asera Care Hospice, on April 29, 2018, surrounded by his family. Edmund William Goettertz, son of Chris and Elizabeth (Elsie) Goettertz was born on the family farm on January 11, 1933. He attended District 27 School in Salem Township. Edmund enlisted in the Navy in April of 1952 and served on the USS Prairie until his honorable discharge in April of 1956. Edmund then returned to the family farm. Edmund was united in marriage to Karla Pearson in August of 1975. They worked hand in hand on their farm raising hogs and cattle. They enjoyed dancing and socializing with friends and loved attending any sport or activity his children or grandchildren were participating in. Throughout his lifetime, Edmund was a good and faithful servant of St. Boniface Church, serving on council, ushering and being on the cemetery board. He diligently took care of the Veteran's gravesites during Memorial Day and Veteran's Day services. He also served on the Salem Township board. Surviving Edmund and blessed to have shared his life are his loving wife of 42 years, Karla; three children, Chris (Angie) of Hurley, Jennifer of Phoenix, AZ and Ellen of Viborg; three grandchildren, Gage, Rafe and Tryg Goettertz of Hurley and sister, Sr. Louise Marie Goettertz of Sacred Heart Monastery of Yankton, sister-in-law Norma (Gerald) Westergaard of Rapid City, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Magdelyn and brother-in-law Mike Kessler, sister, Mary Goettertz, infant brother, Chris and two nephews, Greg and Richard Kessler. Casketbearers will be Jeremy Kessler, Rob Kessler, Jerry Kessler, David Westergaard, Terry Westergaard, Don Knudsen, Kevin Heirigs and Brett Hartman. Offertory Gifts will be presented by Ken and Sue Kessler.
