Funeral services for 91-year old Gerald Goetzinger are Wednesday June 21, 2023 at 10:00 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Martin, SD
Burial will follow at 2:30 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.
Vigil will be Tuesday, June 20, at 7:00 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com.
Gerald (Jerry) Gail Goetzinger was born to Mike Goetzinger and Lucy DeMuth Goetzinger in Hemingford, Nebraska on March 15th, 1932. He passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2023.
Raised on a farm near Hemingford with his younger brother Dallas, Jerry entered the Army on October 8th, 1952, and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in September of 1954.
Jerry married his great love, Janis Maxine Kline, on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, 1957. They celebrated their 65th anniversary last November. They moved to Martin, South Dakota where they raised their four children: Mike, Pat, Cathy, and Tom.
Upon his completion of service from the Korean War, Jerry returned to the farm for a few weeks, then started his career as a farm equipment dealer. Jerry was in the farm equipment business for 45 years until he retired in 2002.
He first worked for a local John Deere dealership, where he eventually became a partner, then founded Goetzinger Enterprises, LTD. and its Divisions GE Farm Supply, GE Sales & Salvage & GE Manufacturing.
A veteran, Jerry had 69 continuous years as an active member of the American Legion. At Post 240, he held all positions at the Post level.
He was South Dakota State Commander of the American Legion from 1976-77, then from 1988-90 served as National Vice Commander of the American Legion.
Jerry served on the South Dakota State Veterans Commission with appointments and reappointments by multiple Governors, and he served as a Bennett County Commissioner.
He also belonged to the VFW, 40/8, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus.
Jerry was full of life and especially loved spending time with family and friends. Giving back to the community. especially the veterans organizations he so loved, and serving others was a great part of his life.
Jerry was a renowned public speaker on veteran issues and patriotism as well as a spellbinding storyteller, often finding himself at the center of the story. See “The Batesland Raid,” designated as one of the top stories published by South Dakota Magazine.
His grandchildren will remember him fondly for hosting epic family gatherings, teaching them life lessons, and taking turns ringing the bell on the Bennett County homestead. In the Black Hills, Grandpa Jerry holds a special spot in their heart where the family cabin is. His personal hiking stick will always have a place near the cabin’s fireplace.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Lucy Goetzinger and his granddaughter Brooke Catherine Goetzinger.
He is survived by his wife Janis of Martin; children Mike (Karen), Pat (Erin), Cathy (Pete) Bolzer, Tom (Kim); his brother Dallas (Joyce); 13 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Bennett County Funeral Service in Martin is in charge of arrangements for Gerald Goetzinger.