Jerome Goette

Jerome Goette, age 63, of Albert Lea, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, at Bayview Funeral Home, Albert Lea, MN. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19, at Crossroads Church in Albert Lea with visitation one hour prior.

Jerome was born on February 5, 1962, in Albert Lea, MN to William and Lorraine (Engebretson) Goette. He grew up on a farm near Manchester and graduated from Freeborn High School in 1980. After high school he attended Riverland Community College, where he studied to be an electrician.

On August 15, 1981, Jerome married his high school sweetheart, DeeAnn Jacobs. God blessed their marriage with two children, Rachelle and Nathan, who brought endless joy to their hearts. The couple made their home in Freeborn, where Jerome served as an EMT and volunteer firefighter for the Freeborn Fire Department for several years. He later began his career as a truck driver and spent the last 28 years driving semi for CFS in Freeborn. Recently they found their forever home and moved to Albert Lea, MN and enjoyed making it their own.

Jerome found joy in life’s adventures, whether heading out on hunting trips, singing karaoke, or traveling. He was a dedicated and hardworking man with a generous heart, always ready to lend a helping hand. A man of faith and a proud American, you could often find him wearing a flag on his hat or shirt, and proudly displaying the flag and eagle in his yard. He was a member of Crossroads Church and enjoyed couples Bible study.

Above all, Jerome’s greatest love was his family. He was always proud of his children and the lives they created for themselves. He cherished time with his six grandchildren, who will dearly miss his big bear hugs, playful tickles, and the laughter he brought into their lives.

Jerome also had a unique passion for collecting rocks—a hobby that often made his loved ones laugh and shake their heads, yet it reflected his curious spirit and eye for beauty in the simplest things.

Jerome is survived by his loving wife, DeeAnn Goette; daughter, Rachelle (Shawn) Herman of Adel, IA; son, Nathan (Hannah) Goette of Wells, MN; and grandchildren, Jaxton, Lexi, and Vayda Herman, and Tillea, Gryer, and Vella Goette. Parents, Bill and Lorraine Goette of Albert Lea. Sister, Brenda (Jim) Cords of Manchester, brother, Rodney (Deb) Goette of Ellendale, and sister-in-law, Kim Goette of Blooming Prairie. Sister-in-Law, Patty Jacobs of Alden, brother-in-law, Don (Terry) Jacobs of Sioux Falls, SD, sister-in-law, Diane Jacobs of Albert Lea, brother-in-law, David Jacobs (Janelle) of Trent, SD and sister-in-law Donna (Jay) Ignaszewski of Woodbury, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Dean Goette; brothers-in-law, Doug Jacobs and Dan Jacobs; niece, Tessa Jacobs; and his father-and mother-in-law, Donald and Darlene Jacobs.

Jerome is now at peace in the arms of his Savior. May his life be remembered for his deep love of family, his generous heart, and the joy he brought to those around him.

The service was recorded, and can be watched below.