Joseph Goetz

Joseph “Joe” Goetz, age 84, died while surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Joe was born on December 2, 1940, in Strasburg, ND, the son of Siegfried and Regina (Reinbold) Goetz. He grew up in Strasburg and graduated with the Class of 1958. Following high school, he attended college in Ellendale, ND on a football scholarship to pursue pre-med. The times and economics changed his direction, but not his spirit.

Joe’s future was a testament to his determination, strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. His business career began in Strasburg at the age of 10 where he learned record keeping from his father.

Not able to continue his dreams of becoming a doctor, Joe left college and moved to Wisconsin where he worked for Kimberly-Clark. He owned his own gas station and worked for EK Williams accounting firm as an accountant/business consultant. In 1972, Nationwide Investments, Inc. was formed to buy, sell and develop commercial and investment properties. This was a supplement to a well-established residential sales company, Home-Mart, Inc. and Nuway Builders, Inc., a construction company. During this time, Joe got his pilot license and purchased a Cesena to assist in traveling with his business.

Over the next 40 years, Joe owned and operated several residential and retail businesses: a commercial rental complex, Hi Rev Speed Shop, Bob’s Shurfine supermarket, one and two family rental units, Mel’s Big Dollar (a small shopping center complex), Wausau Body Shop, Midwest Salvage Yard and later, All State Fire Protection of St. Cloud, Minnesota, a commercial sprinkler company which covered a five-state area. In 1990 Joe received his MA in Business at the University of Minnesota. He continued to pursue innovative business ideas. He developed several internet businesses. The first was Phonecard Savers and then Peaceful Wooden Puzzles; selling blueboard puzzles with a selection of over a thousand designs, later including his own custom jigsaw puzzles cut from specialized wood.

Throughout his life, Joe was actively involved in his community, holding memberships in: Wausau Toastmasters, Optimist International, Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce and Wausau Country Club. He was the general campaign chairman for United Way of Marathon County for three years. His professional activities included: Wisconsin local and National Realtor Associations, where he was honored as Outstanding Realtor of the Year. In 1974, he was recognized in Outstanding Young Men of America and in 1976 received awards in Who’s Who in Wisconsin, then Who’s Who in the Midwest.

His free time was filled with fishing, hunting and reading. Above all, he cherished time with his family and extended family. Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was generous with his money, time and talents; ever asking if there was anything he could do for you. He had a quick wit, coupled with teasing remarks, a twinkle in his eye and a hearty, unforgettable laugh.

He was deeply passionate about his Catholic faith. His rosary was never far from him. It was rare in the later years not to hear him praying aloud in the quiet. Joe always concluded conversations with “thank you” and “God bless you.”

He is preceded in death by his father, Siegfried; mother, Regina; sisters, Marge Docherty and Barb Greene.

Joe will be forever missed by his loving, devoted wife of 42 years, Cathy; daughter, Kathy (Kelly) Johnson and son, Joe (Cindy) Goetz; grandchildren, Mason Joseph Johnson, Ellys Johnson, Alyssa Taylor and Jesse Wolf; great-grandchildren, Peter Taylor, Olivia Taylor, Amaris Wolf; siblings, Bill (Marilyn) Goetz, Fred (Diane) Goetz, Gina Wellman, brother-in-law, Dennis Docherty as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 4, 2025, with visitation one hour prior, at the Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN. A reception will follow in Saint Peter’s Hall. Joe will be laid to rest on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, following a Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m., at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Cemetery, 503 North 2nd St., Strasburg, ND. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Church of Saint Peter for mass to be said or the donor’s choice.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hospice of the Midwest, especially his nurse Jessie Horan.