John Richard Goetz

John Richard Goetz, MD, long-time El Cajon and La Mesa, resident, passed away February 10, 2026, in Oak Hills Residential Care in Escondido, after a long illness. His life is a testament to dedication and service, marked by an extraordinary career in medicine and a commitment to helping others.

Dr Goetz's journey began in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, June 8, 1940. His parents Hugo and Olga (Boike) Goetz were humble, hard working blue collar workers who saw all three of their children excel in advanced studies. Dr Goetz proudly attended Bremer Elementary school, Jordan Junior High, and North High (class of '58). His scholastic accomplishments enabled him to attend the University of Minnesota where he earned a BA cum laude in 1962 and his MD in 1966.

Upon his graduation from Medical School and completion of an internship at Northwestern Hospital, in Minneapolis, he began his career as a medical doctor, serving during the Vietnam War on the USS Halsey, a guided-missile destroyer, and at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego.

After his military service, he completed a three-year residency in physical medicine at the UCLA-VA hospital. As a board-certified physiatrist, he then led the department of physical medicine at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego from 1972 until his retirement in 2005. Under his leadership, countless patients received compassionate and expert care.

Beyond his professional achievements, John retired as a Captain in the US Navy Reserve, a role that underscored his lifelong dedication to serving his country. He was a volunteer doctor at the Union Rescue Mission in San Diego, where he extended healing hands to those in need. In addition, he was a life-long supporter of foreign missionary endeavors, especially with the Bible translators Barbara and Wolfgang Lunow in Papua, New Guinea and medical missionaries Dr Hazael and Maru Hatchett in Mexico.

His life was also enriched by his involvement with various community and faith-based organizations. He held several roles at College Avenue and Shadow Mountain Churches and was active with Gideons International and the Chuck Colson Prison Fellowship.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dr George Gabriel Goetz, and his second wife Carlotta (Mollica) Goetz. He is survived by his only child Maralee Goetz Randall and three grand children: Jacquelyn, Christina, and Matthew, and his sister Ruth (Goetz) Gunst. He is also survived by Carlotta's three daughters and their children as well as his first wife, Marsha (Benson) Jovanovic.