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Christopher Goetz Obituary
June 28 1951 -
June 24 2011
Chris (as he was known to all) was born and raised in Two Rivers and was a graduate of Washington High School. Having a great affinity for the kitchen and an enduring love for history, Chris orchestrated caterings during the warm summer months and taught children the importance of the American Civil War during the school months.
He was the second of three children born to the late Sarah and Dr. Allen A Goetz. His brother, Cameron Goetz, and sister, the late Jodell Goetz. Chris' memory will be forever treasured by his brother, Cameron; his children, Kelly-Rose Carper, Daniel, Kaitlin and Rebecca Goetz; his grandson, Cade Tynusz; doting uncle and godfather, The Rev. Arthur Goetz and his wife, Lois; nephew, Cameron Goetz; former wife, Tami Goetz; and a vast network of friends and family stretching far beyond even the borders of his country.
Whether as an acquaintance or as a lifelong friend, Chris left a lasting and positive effect on everyone as well as everything that he came into contact with. After traveling the United States in his youth, he settled in Lakewood, where he pursued many carriers of passion. He loved to reenact historical impersonations of people who lived during the American Civil War and the early logging communities of northern Wisconsin. Being a wizard with a spatula, he catered many local weddings and family gatherings. He provided several generations of children with the knowledge of "Safe Fun" while in the water during a Lioness swim class, along with entertaining everyone he meet with a story or two, and most recently taught an abundance of skill sets to children at Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya. His hobbies included, but were never limited to, reading, writing, gardening, long hikes into the wilderness, household projects, and spending time with family and friends.
Chris is remembered as greeting everyone with that bear hug that made you feel on top of the world. Because of his kind and helpful nature, Chris's presence was desired and appreciated by all. His humorous good nature and brimming smile never faded and its memory will live on.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on the property that Chris cherished so much, 13356 Waubee Lake Drive, Lakewood, on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, from 10 a.m. until memorial service at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Chris' memory be sent to Lakes Country Public Library, 15235 Highway 32, Lakewood.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Goetz
May 22, 2012
I am sorry this is so late. I just found out of Chris' passing. He has performed his logging camp presentation in my Crandon Middle School classroom for many years. My students loved him. Chris was in my classroom at the end of last May, 2011. I simply had no idea! We became friends and shared many stories together. What a fine man and he will be sadly missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Tom Dehart
Crandon, WI
The best of friends at the annual golf outing in Lakewood.
Chummy Strohm
July 1, 2011
The best of friends at the annual golf outing in Lakewood.
Chummy Strohm
July 1, 2011
Ann LaForce
June 30, 2011
It's been many years, but I have very warm memories of Chris's kindness, compassion, and sense of humor! Rest in peace, my friend.
Kaye Strid
June 29, 2011
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Cherie Winters
June 28, 2011
I was fortunate to have worked with Chris at Bomber's, I was very saddened by his death. Chris was a man of integrity and will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers go out to his brother and his children.
Jim Cornelius
June 28, 2011
It was my 4th grade class in Gillett that Chris did his first Civil War presentation. Chris then catered our 25th anniversary dinner. Becca and Kaitlyn were both students of mine. Rest in peace my friend. - Jim Cornelius
Sherry Stanek
June 28, 2011
I fondly remember your early cooking days Chris, when you mistook a tablespoon for a teaspoon and made Albert and me a pumpkin pie as a surprise. It WAS a surprise!! Misty wouldn't even eat it hahahaha! You sure came a long way after that with your cooking and lived a rich and full life. I know your smile is continuing to lighten hearts here, and will continue to in the journeys that lie ahead of you. Bless you for all the sunshine you spread in this life Christopher!
June 28, 2011
We will miss you
Kevin and Jill Marshall and family
Craig (Chummy) Strohm
June 28, 2011
I consider my life more blessed than most. Chris and I were life long friends- pals & traveling companions. Grade school- high school- college roommates- Two Rivers- Stevens Point- Colorado- California- Lakewood & a myriad of hitchhiked adventures in between. Some I can recall- some I’m proud to admit- remain too cosmic to recollect. Oh the stories. Chris could tell the stories. Chris was a wonderful story teller. Unbelievable stories at first, but you weren’t around Chris very long before you were captured by his magical ability to turn your life into some goofy great adventure. And if you were as lucky as I so often was - you soon became a full-fledged member of another fantastic tale. For Chris- life always remained as it should be- not a destination- but a wonderful journey. Full of friends- full of family- full of love- and despite all the battles we all must wage against mighty demons- insurmountable odds- and the possibility of life’s misfortune - Chris never failed to cherish every moment- never one to ever be deterred by the bittersweet miracle that life can be. Instead he laughed- and laughed. And I’ll bet he’s laughing now. And someday if we’re all fortunate- he’ll excitedly sit down to tell us all about his new adventure. In the meantime, good buddy, your ability to love- will live in my heart forever.
June 28, 2011
Daniel, Kaitlin & Rebecca, Take comfort in knowing your Dad is your special guardian angel who will be watching over you. His Love & memories will be with you forever, Take one day at a time, it will never be easy just tollerable in time. Love, The Stegall's
Elmo Philipps
June 28, 2011
It has been years since I last saw Chris, but his impact on me and many others will be remembered for years to come. He was responsible for introducing me to many people that I have fond memories of today. He knew so many. If there ever was a "man of the world", it would have been Chris. My condolences to his family, and Chris, thanks for the memories.
Dick Doeren
June 28, 2011
Words from a heavy heart come hard at times like this. I have known Chris for 15 years, to his family I do not know I can only say Chris was a true LEGEND, he lived life as he wanted to, a lover of life and all it had to offer was what he appreciated, If I ever was to have a twin brother Chris was the one, Our values, thoughts, goals and this love of life were all in one. I hope that everone who ever met Chris learned the lesson he was somehow trying to teach all of us. Chris my friend may your journey continue, thanks for the memories and the wisdom you shared with me, GOD SPEED
Chris In His Glory, Thanks For The Memories
Dick Doeren
June 28, 2011
Becky Mielczarek
June 28, 2011
I was lucky enough to spend time at camp Un-Nah-Li-Ya on two separate occasions with my children. Chris is very much remembered for his fish stories by my children and I. It takes a very special person to be able to hold all of those kids' attention like he did. His kindness and patience will be missed.
Ron Eggers
June 27, 2011
Family legend says that, when Sarah Goetz was leaving the hospital with her new son Christopher, they stopped by our house, put Chris in the crib with me and announced that we were going to be best friends forever. As was usually the case, Sarah was right. My life, and so many others, would have been far different, as considerably more boring, without Chris' presence.
Lee Kotyza
June 27, 2011
Cam and family, Christopher was truly a gentle man! Great memories from childhood on are running through my mind! Wishing you peace...
Lee and Jackie Kotyza
Al Stanek
June 27, 2011
Chris was one of a kind. Spending time with "Big Al", as we knew him, opened my eyes to so many of the really important things in live. His free spirit was the counterpoint to my ambition. The hours we spent hitchhiking to Colorado, traveling to spring break in Florida, cross country skiing, hiking in the Rockies or delivering newspapers as kids in Two Rivers have provided cherished memories and great stories to tell. Happy Trails Christopher !!!
June 27, 2011
Cameron, you have my symphathies. I remember you more than Chris but he seemed like quite a good person. Sharon Lieding (Baucum- guidance counselor and former Calvery Lutheran Church)
Kathleen Marsh
June 26, 2011
To our Holt and Balcom Logging Camp Museum Camp Cook, our artifact expert, and our volunteer extraordinaire. Chris, you will be sadly missed. What will we do without you? Rest in peace, my friend.
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