Charles Goethals

GOETHALS

Charles Joseph

Charles Joseph Goethals, 66, of Maumee, Ohio passed away peacefully September 29, 2012, surrounded by his loving family after a long courageous battle since 1995 against Pompe disease. He was one of the first groups of patients to be in the study trail of a drug to cure pompe and was available to receive the drug after FDA approval and thru the study and his efforts he will continue helping others effected by the disease around the world. Chuck graduated from Metamora Township High School class of 1964. He retired from Sylvania Township as a police officer. He was one of those remarkable men who truly believed and lived by the police officer mission to "serve and protect." He always appreciated the brotherhood of Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters that he's been part of even 20 years since he retired. He lived for his grandchildren and enjoyed going to all their sporting events, even when it came time he could only watch the games recorded. He will be remembered for his sense of humor; he always had a joke to tell even if it was not a good one just to make other's feel comfortable; even when he himself was in such pain. His spirit is the epitome of resilience, zest for life and determination. He had never met a stranger who quickly did not become a friend or chosen family. He enjoyed going and becoming a part of the congregation of Cedar Creek Church with Irene, and would like to watch the sermons on TV when he no longer able to go for health reasons.

Chuck was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 22 years, Irene Goethals; his mother, Alberta Van Coppenolle; his grandmother, Pauline Van Coppenolle. Chuck is survived and greatly missed by his loving son, Steve (Toni) Goethals, James Goethals, Ken (Shannon) Goethals, Robert Goethals; step-daughter, Cheryl (Jamie) Lindke, and daughter-in-law, Cindy Goethals; Ryan Eley who was a grandson that lived with Irene and Chuck for years helping take care of them by bringing joy to their lives daily as well as caring for Chuck for the past 3 months when his illness caused him to need 24 hour care; grandchildren, Allie, Brandon, Jared, Jessica, Josh, Katie, Lauren and Nathan; his sister, Mary Alice Treutle. The family especially wants to thank Dr. J. Tita and associates along with their the staff in respiratory specialist office, and research nurses at St. Vincent; they all have been such a comfort and support for years all the way up to his moment of passing on Saturday. Also, we would like to thank the staff of Heritage Home Health Care, Toledo IV, and the staff on the 5th floor of palliative/Hospice care at St. Vincent's Hospital.

Family and friends are welcome to visit at Cedar Creek Church on 29129 Lime City Road, Perrysburg Ohio 43551 where a memorial service will be held at 10:00 am Friday, October, 5 2012. Following the service a gathering and celebration of Chuck's life will be held at the club house in his community of Waterside 7062 Longwater Drive, Maumee OH 43537. Anyone wishing to honor Chuck's memory may do so by donating to Northwest Ohio/Detroit area MDA 3223 North Canton Center Rd. 3 201, Canton, Michigan 48187.