Garold “Gary” Edward Goetz, 72, Richardton, joined his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. He passed away peacefully at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson with his wife by his side. Gary’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Thomas Wordekemper, OSB as celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Stephen’s Cemetery, south of Richardton. Visitation will be on Monday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a rosary and vigil at 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Deacon Robert Bohn presiding.
On flag day, June 14, 1949, Gary was born to Alfred and Evelyn (Stieg) Goetz. They lived in a two room house on the Stieg homestead until he was three years old. From there they moved to the Rech land along the Heart River. When Gary was ten they moved to the Ernest Stieg homestead where Alfred and Evelyn would raise their family and Gary would take on many responsibilities of being the oldest of eight children. Gary milked cows and worked in the fields and ran tractor and plow starting at the age of eight. He went to country school south of Richardton until 7th grade and then on to Richardton Public School. There he excelled in football and wrestling and gained respect earning the nickname of Stomp.
Gary met Gladys Messer and they were married June 18, 1968 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richardton. They lived in Richardton for a short period then moved to Belfield in 1970 where they introduced their first child Shelly and second child Shannon. In 1972 they moved to the Paul Stieg homestead south of Richardton where their third child Stacey was born. Later in 1976, Stuart their youngest was born.
Gary worked in the oilfield and then as an electrician for Chuck Schorsch and Keith Baer. In 1988 Gary and Gladys purchased that electrical business and named it Double G Electric; all while running cattle the entire time, which was his true passion.
Gary was very involved in the Richardton Community holding offices with the Richardton Saddle Club, Richardton Rural Fire Board, Knights of Columbus, Richardton Business Club, Richardton Booster Club, Southwest Grain Advisory Board, St. Mary’s School Board, St. Mary’s Endowment and Richardton Development.
In addition to Gary’s strong support of the Richardton community was his love of family and ability to be a great friend and neighbor. His strong work ethic, storytelling ability, concern for others and sense of humor are remembered by so many. Gary was very proud of his 11 grandchildren and spent many hours playing card games with them or going for ranger rides together. Gary relied upon the steady support of his loving wife who showed her devotion in many ways throughout his health challenges.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Gladys; children, Shelly (Kem) Heinle, Shannon (Jennifer) Goetz, Stacey (Ron) Allard, Stuart Goetz, and Sarah Goetz; grandchildren, Brittney (Pius) Banongwie, Kacee Allard, Ethan Goetz, Kelli Allard, Jadyn Heinle, Elle Goetz, Madison Heinle, Emma Goetz, Lauryn Heinle, Grace Goetz and Olivia Goetz; great-grandchild, Phoenix; siblings, Paulette Clooten, Candice (Bob) Stastny, Pam Pullen, Randy (Sandi) Goetz, Mark Goetz and Janal (Harvey) Hoff; many nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Sherry; his parents, Alfred and Evelyn Goetz; Gladys’s parents, Valentine and Eugenia Messer; his Goetz in-laws, Wally, Dewayne, and Lois.
A special thank you to the wonderful staff at St. Benedict’s Health Center who took loving care of Gary. Memorials may be directed to the family to be designated at a later time.
