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Herbert Goetz Obituary
1934 - 2020
The Reverend Dr. Herb Goetz peacefully met the call of God and was ordered home to be with his creator on Friday, December 18, 2020. He was 86. His remarkable career was as a Navy Captain, Chaplain Corps, with duty stations including USS VESOLE (DD-878); USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67); Marine Air Group 36; Naval Air Facility Midway Island; NATO Headquarters, Italy; US Naval Forces Europe, England; and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Capturing his ministerial call early in his career, then-Lieutenant Commander Goetz describes his desire to share the love of God as a "need to respond to the void in humankind, to an emptiness, known or unknown by acting in a spirit of acceptance and love, remembering my humanness as I minister to humans as humans in service to my God." After concluding his thirty years of active duty service in 1990, he then served an additional 17 years at The Ohio State University as a volunteer Chaplain on the staff of the NROTC, as National Chaplain to the US Navy League, and as Director of Religion and Education at the Lakeside Chautauqua. He was also an Eagle Scout. In addition to numerous military and civilian recognitions, Herb is the recipient of fifteen military medals including two Legion of Merit awards. He graduated in the class of 1952 from Portsmouth High School, in 1956 from The Ohio State University, and Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1960, with additional formal education at University of Cambridge, England. He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in 2002 from Eden Seminary. He is a Vietnam veteran. Herb is survived by his wife, Mary Ann and grown children, Tim (Nancy) Goetz, Lisa (Bill) Miller, Cindy (Mark) LaRue, and Matthew Goetz; grandchildren, Blake LaRue, Kevin (Ellie) LaRue, Kiley (Troy) Jensen, Caleb Miller, Sidney Goetz, Josh Miller, Max Goetz, and Sylvia Goetz; and three great grandchildren. Private services will be held for the family. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery in late spring. Memorial donations may be made to Boy Scout Camp Oyo at 614-310-1328, The Italian Childrens' Mission at 724-510-4357, or Mid-Ohio Food Collective at https://give.midohiofoodbank.org. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.
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Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Goetz
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
John Morrison
December 16, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
A true servant leader and empowering mentor to many.
Much love Cheryl & John
Susan & Chip Walston
January 26, 2023
Chip and I send our deepest condolences to Mary Ann, Matt, and the rest of the Goetz clan regarding the passing of Herb. Herb and Mary Ann made us feel so welcomed when we arrived at OSU Navy ROTC, and I’ll never forget that.
Irvin John Goetz Jr
January 2, 2022
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Herbert was my fathers (Irvin John Goetz Sr.) brother.
And my uncle. I never got to meet him, but my
parents, who are now both deceased, did talk
about him alot.
Again I am so sorry for your your lose.
Sincerely Irvin Jr.
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Mary Grays
December 30, 2020
Mary Ann, I am truly sorry to hear of Herb's passing. He was such a wonderful and joyful person to be around. You and Herb exemplified what being a christian is all about. I thank God for the time Walt and I were able to share with you. You and your familly are in my prayers. May God's blessings comfort your heart. Mary Grays and Family
December 26, 2020
Sorry to here that a friend of mine in my early years had passed. Herb was a friend of mine from Grade and High School in Portsmouth, OH. There were no doubts that he would excel in all things that he attempted...his bio proved this to be true. Rest in peace, dear friend. Martha McGraw Thompson (from Bonyfiddle).
Barbara Lafferty
December 24, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michael L Ward
December 24, 2020
Thank you sir for your many years of serving our God and the many men and women in uniform. May you rest in peace.
Michael L Ward
MSG, USA, Retired
Charles Melvin
December 22, 2020
How can I say sufficient words to express the impact Herb had on my life! Such a gentleman, such a mentor, such a brother in Christ. We will be together again at the feet of Jesus and sing His praises as we did so many years ago in Naples,
Italy. Prayers for Mary Ann and family.
December 22, 2020
As a Lakesider since 1980, we found so much joy in seeing our children in God Squad at Bradley Temple, and in the arts classes at the Rhein Center. Thank you, Mr.Goetz.
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