Gary W. Goetsch, age 83, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on May 14, 2024, at Maranatha Lodge. Gary was born to William Goetsch and Elsie Goetsch on November 6, 1940 in Norfolk, NE. and graduated from High school in Stanton, NE. and Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. Gary was first in his family to graduate college. He was united in marriage to Mary Lynch on August 5, 1963 in Mallard, Iowa. Gary and Mary shared 60 1/2 years of marriage before Gary’s passing. The couple were blessed with 4 children.

Gary began his career as a high school educator, teaching biology, physical education, and driver’s education and coached high school football, wrestling, baseball, and track. He transitioned to the automotive industry, selling automotive parts and service for a few years and then spent over 20 years in the manufacturing industry making boat trailers and high-performance pontoon boats. While working full time, Gary also served as Pastor of Abundant Life Christian Fellowship in Humboldt, Iowa for 33 years.

When not working, he had many interests and pastimes, including hunting and fishing in his youth and more recently riding his bike and watching and feeding wildlife. He especially loved seeing eagles but also enjoyed seeing deer, geese, wild turkeys, and other birds. Nothing, however, brought him more fulfillment than being a Pastor and preaching the Word, spending time with his family, and teaching and tutoring kids in reading and math. Gary will be remembered as a Loving and Faithful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Pastor as well as being a Prayer Warrior. He was often described by others as a Great Leader and Protector. Gary leaves behind a legacy of Integrity, Loyalty, Faithfulness, Compassion, Generosity and Self Sacrifice, and above all else, Obedience to God.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, William Goetsch; mother, Elsie Goetsch, a sister, Mary Ann Beuene and her husband Duane, and their son Jeff. He is survived by his wife Mary Goetsch; daughter Yvonne Rayborn and husband Marvin; son Steve Goetsch and wife Kim; son Alan Goetsch and wife Annette; son Brad Goetsch and wife Jill; eleven grandchildren: Courtney, Nicolas, Emily, Matthew, Paul, A.J., Sarah, Grace, Paige, Cooper, and Gus, two great-grandchildren: Olive and Nico; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Gary will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Maranatha Chapel, 233 E Norton Rd, Springfield, MO, 65803, with the celebration of life to follow at 11:00 a.m. under the care of Greenlawn Funeral Home North.