Robert "Bob" Goetz

Goetz, Robert "Bob"

son of Otto and Alice Goetz of St. Louis, died on April 1, 2020, at Laclede Groves ALMC Crossings. He lived 97 marvelous years: A joy to those around him.

Raised by parents who were nurserymen, Robert attended the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, for a degree in Landscape Architecture. His education was interrupted by WWII, during which Robert served with the 1901st Aviation Engineers Battalion in Kadena, Okinawa and Kimpo airfield, Korea.

Returning home in 1946, Robert completed his degree, graduating with Bronze Plaque Honors in 1947.

The passion of Bob's life was bringing beauty found in nature into people's lives. He was a pioneer in his profession, turning natural surroundings into 3-dimensional art, which incorporated natural topography to maintain drainage around buildings, health of existing trees, and human enjoyment of his designed environments.

Robert's career in Landscape Architecture spanned from 1947 to 2002, an impressive career of 55 years. In 1956, Bob became one of the founders of ASLA's St. Louis Chapter, providing a path for professional registration of Landscape Architects. Robert's local and national awards included his design work for Whispering Hills Subdivision (1969–1973); McDonnell Douglas Corporate Headquarters (1977); The Gordon F. Moore Community Park in Alton, IL (1984 & 1991); Plaza Frontenac Mall planting design (1986); Bee Tree County Park (1988); Jungle of the Apes at St. Louis Zoo (1988, 1989), to name a few. As a result of his landscaping mastery, the St. Louis Chapter of ASLA created an award in his name, called the Robert E. Goetz Award for Leadership Through High Ethics, Mentoring, and Service to Profession.

Bob's appreciation of nature became a "hobby" of joining others to preserve natural habitats, co-founding a citizen conservation group, the Open Space Council of St. Louis, to help the state acquire the land along the Meramec River corridor. The Meramec River Recreation Association (MRRA) was established in 1975 for the protection and preservation of this unique area, which includes Castlewood State Park and Lone Elk Park.

Robert is survived by his children, Gail (Goetz) Mieling, Gary Goetz, and Ronald Goetz, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Pauline, his wife of 73 years, preceded in death.

In lieu of flowers, donations or volunteer work with St. Louis Open Space Council (info@openspacesstl.org) would be appreciated and fun!