Elmer Goetsch

Elmer Goetsch, 84 year old resident of Staples, MN passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at the Lakewood Health Systems Care Center in Staples, MN. A private memorial service will be held. Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, Minnesota. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls. Elmer A. W. Goetsch was born October 28, 1921 to the late Edward and Carrie (Raaf) Goetsch in Nassau, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran religion at Walter Township Church. Elmer was an electrical technician and a musician. Elmer was playing professionally by the age of thirteen. He was united in marriage to Irene Brandt on February of 1943. Elmer was drafted into the U.S. Army in February of 1945, having to leave his wife and young son Douglas. When Elmer returned, he did some carpentry, farming, and television repair. He and Irene were blessed with three more children; Barbara, Harlan and Sherman. His passion was music and he headed a seven piece band that kept him very busy. Elmer moved his young family to Minneapolis, Minnesota so he could attend Brown Institute of Broadcasting and Electronics. He received his diploma from them in May of 1960. He continued to play accordion and keyboard with various bands throughout his life. Elmer retired from Channel 2 (Public Broadcasting Television.) Elmer and Irene traveled for a few years and resided in Chandler, Arizona from 2000-2004. They returned to Staples, Minnesota for health reasons. Elmer has been a resident at Lakewood Health Systems Care Center in the Alzheimer's unit. He is survived by his wife, Irene, who resides at the Care Center in Staples; children, Douglas (Cassandra) Goetsch of Gilbert, Arizona, Barbara Dart of Staples, MN, Harlan Goetsch of Minneapolis, MN and Sherman (Janet) Goetsch of Minneapolis, MN; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Elmer is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Carrie Goetsch and his younger sister Leona and brother Ervin. He will be greatly missed. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls. (320)632-5242. www.shelleyfuneralchapels.com

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Elmer Goetsch

October 28, 1921 - October 4, 2006