BESSEMER, Mich. – Robert Carl Goetz, 85, a longtime resident of Bessemer, passed away early Tuesday morning, Nov. 12, 2013, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

He was born on May 14, 1928, in East Saint Louis, Ill., the son of Edgar Carl and Frieda Fay (Wright) Goetz.

Bob proudly served as a Ranger in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War.


On Jan. 4, 1965, he was united in marriage to Julie A. (Agriesti) Westeen in Bessemer.

For many years, Bob was an operating engineer with the pipeline both here and abroad.

Following his pipeline career, he owned and operated the Cedar Valley Mills in Carey, Wis.


During retirement, Bob made bronze plaques which are displayed locally and worked for the Gogebic Ontonagon Community Action Agency in Bessemer.

He enjoyed playing all string instruments, especially the mandolin.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Julie, of 48 years; six children, Kay (John) Shaw, Yorkville, Ill., Sandra Goetz, Los Angeles, Lizabeth (Ed) Peters and Danette Muncy, both of Ironwood, Douglas Goetz, Ottawa, Ill., and Robert Goetz, Kings Beach, Calif.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; other loving relatives; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and several siblings.

As per Bob's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at lakesidememorialchapel.com.