Jeffrey Goetsch

1959 - 2022

Jeffrey Goetsch
Born: August 30, 1959 in Ottawa, IL
Died: January 29, 2022 in Peoria, IL
Jeffrey Goestch, 62, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday January 29, 2022 at OSF St. Francis in Peoria.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at St. Patrick Church in Ottawa, with Rev. Bruno Byomuhangi, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines, face coverings will be required.
Jeff was born on August 30, 1959 in Ottawa to Louis and Barbara (Raymond) Goetsch. He was a Veteran of the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1986. In 2015 he retired from the Ironworker Union Local 444, after 30 years of service. He married Kathy Erwin on December 25, 2001 in Ottawa. Jeff lived his life to the fullest, often the life of the party and always good for a laugh. He had his own unique sense of humor, which will never be forgotten. He always had a love of gardening and after his retirement, spent more time on it. He enjoyed growing fresh produce for his family and friends. He took pride in maintaining his beautiful yard and providing a good life and home for his family. Everyone who knew Jeff knew they could count on him for help if needed. He cared deeply for his family and friends. Although his family, friends, and puppy Lucy will forever miss him, we have been blessed for him to have shown us all so much love and laughter. We have so many great memories that will be left with for our lifetimes.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy; his father Louie of Ottawa; a daughter, Mollie Goetsch of Ottawa; two step children Megan Byrd of McKinney, TX and Jared Byrd of Nashville, TN; four grandchildren, Charlie, Carter, Cooper, and Cameron; and two brothers, Louis (Michelle) Goetsch of Ottawa and Tim Goetsch of Ottawa.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara, and a brother Gary.
Pallbearers will be Billy Johnson, Joe Grey, Tim Goetsch, Todd Gay, Bob Grady, and Bill Dawson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Louis, Jr., Jared Byrd, Dan Mennie, Kevin Day, David Erwin, and Curtis Allen.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433