Edward James Goetz

Edward J. Goetz, of Sault Ste. Marie, passed away at the Robert and Helen Ball Hospice House of the E.U.P. on Saturday, February 7, 2015. He was born in Marquette, MI to John Matthew and Rosabelle (Whitcomb)Goetz on September 9, 1926. However, he was raised in Detour, MI where everyone of his era had a nickname, and Ed was no exception. He was dubbed "Genuine" and was known as such throughout his life. At age 17, while still in high school, Ed left to enlist in the U.S. Navy to proudly serve during WWII. Blessed with the eye of an eagle, he was stationed in the South Pacific aboard the Naval destroyer U.S.S. John R. Pierce, a.k.a. "The Fierce Pierce" as a Fire Controlman. He received the Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Area Medal for his service. Many years later, Ed was honored to be among several other WWII vets to finally receive his high school diploma along with the Sault High School graduating class of 2001. After his discharge, Ed met and married June Erard on January 29, 1949, and they were married for 63 years until her death in 2012. Ed was a dredgeman and operating engineer on the Great Lakes and St. Mary's River for most of his life, employed by Peter Kiewit & Sons, Great Lakes Dredge and Docking, Dunbar and Sullivan, and Hannah Marine. Ed was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting and fishing. More than one hair-raising anecdote could be told regarding his late departure from the ice in the spring! He was a founding member of the United Nations Hunting Camp on Drummond Island, where one wall was adorned with the national flags of each members' ancestry, with Ed's representing Germany. After retirement, Eddie spent his days doing what he loved best, fishing, and was happy whether it was on the ice or in his little red and white fishing boat. He also enjoyed camping at Detour with his family, and "spinning a few" at the casino with June. In his later years, he enjoyed reading crime novels, riding around in his truck, checking up on his kids or watching the freighters. Ed was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #3676, B.P.O.E. #552, and the Seafarers International Union. Ed will be sadly missed by his sons Charles, Kenneth, and Harold (Susan) Goetz; daughters Cynthia Goetz Stack and Jolene (Mel Gurnoe) Goetz, all of Sault Ste. Marie. He is survived by four grand-children; Marty (Renee) Goetz of Interlochen, MI, Melissa (Levi) Haske of Brooklyn, NY, Sally Goetz of the Sault, and Elizabeth Goetz of Marquette and three great-grandchildren; Riley Ann, Ryan and Marlee Goetz of Interlochen. Also surviving are his beloved brother Roland Goetz of Kinross, sister-in-law Theresa Simpkin and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his wife June, son Edward J.(Skip) Goetz, Jr., and brother John Goetz. A Memorial Celebration will be held on Sunday, February 15, at Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A luncheon will be held afterward at the V.F.W. Post #3676. Military graveside services will be held at Riverside Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Hearthside Assisted Living, to whom the family is so grateful for the loving care dad received while in residence, or to the Robert and Helen Ball Hospice House of the E.U.P., whose wonderful staff and volunteers were invaluable to us all during this difficult time. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.

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Edward James Goetz

September 9, 1926 - February 7, 2015