95, passed away on January 25, 2024, at his home surrounded by family, after suffering a stroke on Christmas Eve, his most favorite day of the year. Ray loved life and he fought a brave battle, but the Lord wanted him home. He was born on May 2, 1928, in St. Louis, MO, to Frank and Marie Goetzheimer (nee Dierkes). He is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Lorraine Goetzheimer (nee Kostecki), his grade school sweetheart. He leaves behind his loving son, Ronald Goetzheimer (Carla), and loving daughters, Joan Vogel (William), Joyce Hughes (Alan), and Jane Gabrian. Grandpa adored his 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and was anxiously awaiting the birth of his great-granddaughter, and his granddaughter’s upcoming wedding. Ray was also a brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend to many. He was preceded in death by siblings Frank Goetzheimer (Dorothy), Edward Goetzheimer (Marjorie), and Marie Chettle (Kenneth).
After driving parcel and semi trucks for many years, Ray retired. He found an interest in wood working and painting his many creations in his always expanding workshop. Ray and his sweetie also spent time puzzling and framing the many puzzles they put together. Another favorite past time was watching the wrens and chickadees fight for the birdhouses in his backyard. Ray very much liked his beer and his refrigerator was always stocked. He enjoyed watching baseball and his favorite sport, college football. He enjoyed fish fries, church picnics and fall festivals. But most of all, he enjoyed cherished get-togethers with his ever growing family. Ray will be sadly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Monday, January 29 from 3-8 pm. with Funeral Service on Tuesday, January 30 at 10:00 am. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.
My condolences and prayers.
❤️🙏🙏🙏
Lorraine, Ray was a wonderful man and I enjoyed knowing him, I remember when he left Famous and Joined UPS. He was a steady hard working and always ready to do what was ask of him. He was loved my many and will be missed by many. As I said I am so glad I got to know and work with Ray. May he Rest In Peace as he wait for you in Heaven.
My sincere condolences to my former mother in law, Lorraine, my my former husband Ron and his 3 sisters Joan, Joyce and Jane. What a beautiful testimony to his life and loves.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
He is home in heaven and his entire family are in my thoughts and in my prayers as grief is a true process for those he left behind.
To my children Christine Chiodini and Dan Goetzheimer you both are in my heart during this sad loss.
-Mary Chance
What a beautiful sentiment to Ray. I’ll never forget my vision of him sitting in his folding chair, listening to a baseball game with a can of Busch beer. Wonderful neighbor from a vanishing era. My condolences to the family. May he rest in eternal paradise.