Louis Frederick Goetz, Jr. son of Louis Frederick and Grace M. née Purdy Goetz, Sr., was born May 27, 1935, in Saint Louis, Missouri. On June 16, 1935, he was baptized at Pilgrim Lutheran where he also attended its parochial school and confirmed his faith on Palm Sunday, April 10, 1949. In 1953, he graduated from Beaumont High School, and in April of 1958, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, for two years, followed by four years in the United States Army Reserves until his honorable discharge as a Specialist Rank 4 in March 1964.
On January 4, 1958, he married Leonora Nadine Garner with whom he enjoyed 48 years in the nuptial estate, until her passing in 2006. To this union were born two children: Linda Nadine (Vincent) Ketterer and Laurie Marie (Brandt) Doyle, who survive along with grandchildren: Amanda Renee (Paul) Prouhet, Teresa Lynn (Alex) Esswein, Jennifer Marie (Bun) Lim, and Melissa Christine (Justin) Nipps; great-grandchildren: Grayson Paul, Nora Anne, Leo William and Harley Jane Prouhet, Kieran Chase Lim, Hudson Daniel and Nolan Joseph Nipps, with another great[1]grandchild on the way. Also surviving are his sister Adele (Oscar) Masters and his brothers[1]and sisters-in-law: Shirley Haner, Calvin Pitts, Arlene (Paul) Choate, and William “Andy” (Karen) Garner. Many Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers- and sisters- in-law, Judy (John) Fleeman, Caroline Pitts, Geraldine (Larry) Pugh, and Robert (Bernie) Garner.
Lou was a loving and caring husband, father, grand and great-grandfather, Uncle, a patriot and loyal citizen, a dutiful and responsible employee, as well as an approachable friend and neighbor. During his years at Mt. Olive Lutheran, he served as a Trustee, and was active for three years as its Treasurer, where he set up its system of bookkeeping, accounting, and reporting. He then presided as the congregation’s chairman for a number of years before transferring to Peace Lutheran in 1977. Upon transfer to Peace, he served as an usher, and with his wife Leonora, was active in the Couples Club and the annual Boar’s Head Christmas Festival. In the workplace, Lou was Vice President of the Conservative Federal Savings and Loan of Saint Louis where he was employed until retiring in 1997 at the age of 62. He enjoyed bowling, horseback riding, family camping, and especially traveling and sight-seeing with his daughters.
In 2012, he moved to Warrenton, Missouri to be near his family to receive their help and support. Lou experienced generally good health until the advances of age weakened his condition. In February of this year, he was hospitalized and underwent a time of rehabilitation, after which he briefly recovered. He was re-hospitalized and underwent further rehabilitation in October. Finally, his condition did not rally, and he was placed on hospice. He returned to his daughter’s home in Warrenton, Missouri, where he peacefully departed this life on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 5:06 p.m. He attained the age of 88 years, five months and 24 days.
As dad would always tell us, “Be Careful and Stay Pure”
Services: Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON Chapel 10151 Gravois, Monday November 27, 4:00-8:00 PM; funeral service Tuesday November 28 10:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church (737 Barracksview Rd. 63125). Interment JB National Cemetery.
We are going to Miss you soo Much dad! Give mom a big hug and kiss from all of us!!
Sending many hugs and prayers!
Lou and Lenora always made me feel like a part of the Family and I will miss him so much. Great guy, class act and one of a kind! I’m sure him and my dad are swapping stories in heaven right now, He raised two wonderful daughters who have been spectacular friends to Jean and I. We take comfort in this sad time knowing he lived a good, long life and wanted us be a part of it!!!
I worked with and for Louis for 18 years at Conservative. He was my mentor and friend. We will miss our monthly lunches with him forever.