Jerome L. “Jerry” Goetsch, 71, Cecil, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born on Feb. 28, 1943, in Sheboygan to Elmer and Esther (Sukowatey) Goetsch.
Jerry attended Central High School in Sheboygan. On Jan. 11, 1964, Jerry was united in marriage to Elaine Ploeckelmann. For 10 years they made their home together in Southern California, where they started their family. In 1973, they moved back to Wisconsin, living in Sheboygan Falls. He worked with his brothers at Lima Auto Parts for a number of years. He then started his own business, Tool Craft, in 1978 in his garage as a tool and die maker. He later purchased a building in Sheboygan, where he continued to run the business. Sheboygan Tool Craft is now owned and operated by his daughter, Christine.
In June 1989, Jerry started manufacturing boat docks for lakes around Shawano County. When retiring in 2002, they decided Shawano was the place to move. He continued building boat docks there to keep busy.
Jerry raced stock cars for EWSC from 1974 to 1983 in Plymouth and other area tracks. He was known as “Jerry the Flames Goetsch” with car number 88. In his later years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, boxing, NASCAR, the Packers and traveling south for the winter.
He is survived by his wife of almost 51 years, Elaine; daughter, Christine (Steve) Halle, Sheboygan; one grandson, Jeremiah Bergemann; three granddaughters, Kirsten (Bergemann) Beaumont and her husband, Tony, Aarika and Ursula Halle; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Carter and Kenadie Beaumont; siblings, Carole (Ronnie) Melanz, Don Goetsch and Jack (Betty) Goetsch; sisters-in-law, Sandy Goetsch and Carol Goetsch; brothers-in-law, Larry Boury, Lee (Linda) Housey; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friend, Conrad Toepel, from California.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Barry and Craig Goetsch; sister, Gloria (Tony) Prisland; brother, Duane Goetsch; sisters-in-law, Jean Goetsch, Lorraine Boury; and brother-in-law, Lester Ploeckelmann.
A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at Al & Al’s, 1502 S. 12th St., Sheboygan.
To leave a message for the family, please visit www.NewcomerGreenBay.com.