James "Edward" Goettsch

James Edward "Ed" Goettsch, 85, passed away on December 12, 2022, under the compassionate care of hospice.

Ed was born January 13, 1937, in Sioux City, Iowa to John G. and Marie (Koch) Goettsch. Ed was baptized in Sioux City at Mayflower Congregational Church on April 2, 1950 and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hinton, IA on 1964. 

Ed attended Smith Elementary School in Sioux City where his mother was an aide, West Junior High, and he graduated from Sioux City Central High in December, 1956. Ed was soon hired on as a switchman for the Great Northern (Burlington Northern) Railroad where he spent the next 30 years with a 3-year deferent to serve in the US Marine Corp. Ed served in “D” Company 7th Engineer Troop Force at 29 Palms California, where he reached the rank of Corporal, from 1957 – 1960. He often talked about how his engineer platoon spent most of their time building a golf course for the commanding General.

Ed met his wife Norene Ann Beck on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. They were married May 23, 1964 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Ed and Norene raised two children, Tim (Kristen) Goettsch and Jane (Todd) Taylor both of Sioux Falls. Ed is also survived by three grandchildren, Cassandra Goettsch, James Taylor, and Emma Taylor and one great-grandchild, River Starch. Ed and Norene were blessed to be able to spend their retirement years between Mesa, Arizona, Lake Shetek, MN, and then Big Stone Lake, SD. During these years there were many family gatherings at the lake cabins. One of the impetuses for moving from MN to SD was that Ed and Tim on a visit to Big Stone Lake. Both caught a 1 pound perch which were proudly displayed at the cabin.

In 2002, Ed and Norene moved permanently to Sioux Falls and spent their time helping raise their grandchildren, James and Emma. Ed volunteered at Sioux Falls Lutheran School, where he served lunch and enjoyed teasing the students. He and Norene drove for Meals on Wheels. God be praised Ed is a sinner saved by the grace of God through Baptism.

Funeral services will take at Faith Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022. Family will be present for a visitation at Heritage Funeral Home on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers kindly donate memorials in Ed's name to Sioux Falls Lutheran Schools.