John Arnold Goelz

John Arnold Goelz of Nashotah, WI, passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the age of 78. He loved his family dearly and fought through several health struggles and much pain for more than 20 years to be with us. John’s life exemplified the values of honesty, integrity, hard work and loyalty. John proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1960-1963 aboard the aircraft carriers U.S.S. Yorktown and U.S.S. Lexington. During his career, he worked as a plumbing foreman for Grunau Mechanical Contractors and later as a mechanical plant specialist at St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee. John was recently honored for 55 years as a member of the Plumbers Local 75. He was an active member of the community when his children were young, coaching their Little League and softball teams and serving on the Stone Bank Elementary School Board. John liked to stay busy and have a project going at all times. It seemed as though there wasn’t anything he couldn’t build or fix. Early on, John spent endless hours remodeling their home, fulfilling a dream of John and Barbara’s to raise their family on Moose Lake. It was there that they enjoyed many hours of swimming, boating, and fishing together. John was always there for his children to provide a positive outlook and words of encouragement. He treasured every minute he spent with his four granddaughters and enjoyed using his woodworking talent to craft special doll houses and custom furniture for their dolls. He rarely missed an opportunity to lend a hand, tell a story, or cook a special meal. These are the memories we will continue to share for years to come. The love and joy he brought to our family will be greatly missed, but will live in our hearts forever. John is survived by his loving wife, Barbara. They just recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. He is also survived by his two children Jennifer (Jon) Tarcin of Menomonee Falls and Erik (Tracy) Goelz of Oconomowoc; grandchildren Ashley and Haley Tarcin and Greylyn and Kinsley Goelz; sister Mary (Jim) Hadfield; sisters-in-law Patricia Goelz and Marie Marlier; nieces Laurie and Kathleen; nephews Jeff, Jay, Mike and Richard; along with many other relatives and dear friends. John is preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Marion Goelz; his brother Richard Goelz; Barbara’s parents Harry and Madeline Marlier; and his brother-in-law H. Joseph Marlier. A private graveside service will be held later this Spring. John loved nature and family. Planting a tree or making a donation to Children’s Wisconsin Foundation in his memory is appreciated.