JOHN EDWARD GOETTLER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JOHN EDWARD GOETTLER July 3, 1920 July 11, 2009 Suddenly and gently on July 11, 2009, Dad passed away at Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 89, with his daughter Valerie by his side. He was predeceased in 2005 by his wife, Jean, the love of his life. Left to miss him are his children, Valerie (Jim) French, Jack (Cindy) Goettler, Robert (Vivian) Goettler and Beverly Graham; ten grandchildren: Tina, Ryan, Meghan, Jennifer, Andrew, Alanna, Kristine, Jarrett, Emily and John; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marjorie Schlachter of Racine, WI and many nieces and nephews. He was the youngest and the only male of four children whose parents offered him a gold watch if he wouldn't smoke or drink before age 21. He kept that promise even though he joined the RCAF before his 21st birthday and was stationed in Europe until the end of the Second World War. Upon returning to Canada he met our mother, Jean Agnew, and it was love at first sight. He pursued her until she succumbed to his charms and agreed to marry him. They settled in Saskatoon where their four children were born, then moved to Regina, then on to Winnipeg in 1961 where he worked for many years as Sales Manager at Thomas Rathwell Ltd. He retired in 1983. Dad's family always came first and Mom and Dad gave us a warm loving home life with many great times and memories that we will always cherish. As kids we knew we could count on Dad for anything. Those late night calls home for a ride always resulted in Dad coming to get us with a smile and most often he would be whistling as he drove. He had perfect pitch and could sing and whistle beautifully. He never complained and we knew we could always depend on him. During our teenage years when dents (or worse) appeared on the car, we knew Dad wouldn't hold it against us. Shortly before retirement, Mom and Dad built a lovely cabin on Lake Winnipeg and enjoyed many happy times during their retirement relaxing and golfing nearby. During their 58 years of marriage they travelled and spent many winters in warmer climates in North America and Europe. After retiring they sold their St. James home and bought a condo at Kiwanis Chateau, downtown. They thoroughly enjoyed living there where they could conduct much of their daily business, shop in Portage Place and visit the library without ever setting foot outside. When Mom died, Dad was devastated, but he gathered his inner strength and moved forward, though missing her everyday. He lived there until he broke his hip, five weeks before his passing. He appreciated the friends he made there. Words cannot measure our sense of loss and sorrow, but we have great memories of our Dad as the most loving father, grandfather, gentleman and gentle man. A private interment is planned with a Celebration of Life to be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2009