Ralph Goetsch

Ralph R. Goetsch, 84, was called to his heavenly home on Saturday, January 26, 2019.

He was born to the late Ervin and Esther (Zemke) Goetsch on June 21, 1934.  Ralph graduated from Wausau High School.  At the age of 16 he started driving truck for Moland and then Glenndenning.  While there he was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army.  After his time in the Army, he returned to Glenndenning, later known as GMW.  Ralph retired from truck driving from Yellow Freight.

Ralph met a wonderful lady, Liz, and they went on many trips together.  They spent every day together and she was there until the end.  He also loved spending time with his family; attending the annual corn roast at his daughter’s cottage, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and attending gun shows.

Ralph will be sadly missed by his partner, Verna “Liz” Habeck; son, Brian Goetsch (special friend, Julie); daughter, Julie (Rick) Derks; grandchildren, Kelly (Melissa) Goetsch, Adam (Karissa) Goetsch, Peter Goetsch, Geoffrey McFaul, Andy (Kim) Derks, Becky (Joe) Vande Voort, and Adam (Kim) Derks; great-grandchildren, Audrey and Caroline Goetsch, Peyton Makeever, and Lincoln and Logan Derks; sister, Grace Pregont; brothers, Jerry (Ellen) Goetsch and Alvin (Joyce) Goetsch; many nieces and nephews; and numerous friends that he met throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sylvia Torzewski; brother, Wayne Goetsch; brother-in-law, Claude Pregont; and sister-in-law, Verna Goetsch.

A funeral service will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan Street, Wausau, with Rev. Jennifer Dahle officiating.  Family and friends may call beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  After the service, all will gather at the Labor Temple for a luncheon.  Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Village of Maine, with military honors provided by V.F.W. Burns Post #388.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Tomahawk Health Services and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for the care that Ralph received.

“Vater, I am grateful that God gave you to me as my dad.  He must have loved me because he gave me the best he had.  I love you and will miss you dearly.”  Weasel

“Gee whiz, Ralph and Liz, the best there is.”  Liz