Robert H. Goetzman

Age 88, passed away Tuesday, March 02, 2004 at St. Paul Home in Kaukauna. Bob was born in Kaukauna on April 8, 1915, son of the late Frank and Ann (Feller) Goetzman. He attended Holy Cross Grade School and graduated with honors from the Kaukauna High School in 1933. On June 8, 1940, he married the former LaVerne Kromer; she survives. Bob was employed by Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company in October of 1933 and was transferred to the office in 1941. Over the years, he held various positions in sales, and retired in 1977 as the Manager of Administrative Services. He had been with Thilmany for forty-three years and was a member of the Quarter Century Club. While his son Lance was growing up, Bob was active in the Cub Scouts and the Boy Scouts, and assisted in the construction of various buildings at the Girl Scout Camp at White Rapids. Bob was a charter member of the Kaukauna Junior Chamber of Commerce and received the Jaycee’s Man of the Year Award in 1951 after having served as Vice President for one term. He was a member of the Kaukauna Improvement Committee, now known as the Environmental Committee. This committee was instrumental in the formation of the Thousand Islands Nature Center. Bob was a former member of the Kaukauna Housing Authority Commission from 1968 until 1989, during which time he served as its chairman for four years. During that time, the Golden Venture Apartments were completely renovated. Bob was also a member of the Kaukauna Alumni Association, its Board of Directors, its President, and its Advisory Board and received the coveted Alumni Award in 1992. He volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Store following his retirement, and continued his involvement there for some twenty-one years. Bob was a former member of the Kaukauna Elks Lodge, and was a 50-year member of Council #1033 of the Knights of Columbus where he served as treasurer. Bob was also an avid hunter and fisherman until his retirement at which time recreation turned to golfing, bowling, and walking. While his children were attending St. Mary School, he was a member of the Home School Association.

Survivors include three daughters: Hope (John) VanDeHey of Neenah, Suzanne (Dr. Lee) Jacques of San Diego, and Lynn (Robert) Hunter of Kaukauna; a son: Lance (Donna) Goetzman of Kaukauna; thirteen grandchildren: Karen (Pat) Tschimperle, Sara (Leo) Ebben, Steve (Marsha) Goetzman, Jeff (Robyn) Goetzman, Emily (Dr. Jeremy) Fritz, Paige (Jeff) Quigley, Scott (Barb) VanDeHey, Amy (Chris) Froze, Holly Jacques Scialdone, Robert (Karey) Jacques, Rachelle Meyerhofer, Jodi (Paul) Gardner, Ross DeCoster; twenty-three great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law: Art (Leila) Kromer, Jr. of Kaukauna. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Virginia Coenen; two brothers-in-law: Lester Coenen and Jerome Coenen; his in-laws: Art and Grace Kromer, Sr., as well as by numerous aunts and uncles.

The funeral liturgy for Bob will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, March 4, 2004 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Jack Mullarkey officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Thursday from 9:30 Am until the hour of the service.

LaVerne and the family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to the staff at St. Paul Elder Services, especially to the staff at Birch Place. You cared for Bob as though he was your very own, and we know he could not have been in better hands. Thank you so very much.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200