Victor Goze

Jan. 7, 1923 - Oct. 9, 2008
PLYMOUTH - Victor Goze, 85, World War II Veteran, went to be with the Lord on October 9, 2008 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth. Vic is survived by his wife, Irene. Vic and Irene had two children, Ronald G. Goze, who served in the Navy and died in 1986 from Exposure to Agent Orange; and daughter, G. Jeane (Richard) Aman of Donaldson; three grandchildren, Staci (Aman) Jennings and husband, Scott of Tippecanoe, Ronald V. Goze and wife Teresa of South Bend, and Victoria (Aman) Smith and husband, Jason of Plymouth; Nine great-grandchildren, Alyssa Miller and James Miller of Plymouth, Garrett Jennings, deceased, Mallorie Jennings, Hannah Jennings and Courtney Jennings of Tippecanoe, Thomas Goze and Olivia Goze of South Bend and Shelby Smith of Plymouth; one brother, George Goze. Vic was the son of Lewis and Julia Goze, who came to Ellis Island, NY, "America", from Tarna Mare, Romania on the President Lincoln on October 8, 1913. He was born in Chicago on "Christmas". He did not know until he went to obtain his birth certificate to enlist in the Marines, that he was actually born on the Romanian Orthodox Christmas, which was January 7th. Vic belonged to a large family of thirteen siblings. They moved to the farm at Donaldson, IN when he was two years of age. Vic had been hit by a "Gary Car", three streetcars coupled together, and his parents decided to raise the children in the safer country. He graduated from Grovertown High School in 1941. His high school credits included, student manager for all of the high school sports, librarian, student worker in the cafeteria and President of his class for three years. He was also a member of the orchestra, the quartet and the Starke County Schools Band. In 1942, Vic joined the U.S. Marine Corps and the Marine Corp Band. He spent 28 months of combat duty during WWII in the South Pacific. He served with the 5th Amphibian, the 1st Marine Battalion and the 3rd Marine Division. Vic helped to form the first AAA unit in Hawaii. After his discharge in 1945, Vic met old friends to celebrate Irene Biers 18th birthday. He and Irene both had blind dates coming for the evening with friends. Neither date arrived, so he and Irene went out together. This was October 18, 1945 and they married on December 24, 1945. Vic and Irene celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this past Christmas Eve. Vic worked at NIPSCO in Plymouth for 39 years as a driver, groundman, underground storage worker and storeroom operator until his retirement in 1983. With retirement were many joys; family, family tree, gardening, reading, flea markets and travel. He and Irene are a part of the Koontz Lake Missionary Church Family and loved the Lord. He was also a lifetime member of the Plymouth VFW, the Plymouth American Legion Post #27 and the Plymouth Eagles. Vic was proud of his wife, his family and his service as a WWII veteran and the wonderful life he had been blessed with. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He never knew a stranger and has helped and been a blessing to many people throughout his life. Funeral services will Monday at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time at the Koontz Lake Missionary Church with Pastor Brian Baughman officiating. Burial will be in the Grovertown Cemetery, where military graveside services will be conducted. Friends may call Sunday from 4-8 p.m. EDT at Rannells Funeral Home, Koontz Lake Chapel and Monday at the church after 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions, in memory of Victor Goze, may be given to the Koontz Lake Missionary Church at 8044 N. State Rd. 23, Walkerton, IN 46574.