Tim Ernest Goetze

Tim Ernest Goetze

May 11, 1961 – April 20, 2017

Tim Ernest Goetze, 55, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 20, 2017. He was born May 11, 1961 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Oscar and Edith (Adams) Goetze.

He graduated from Iowa Park High School in 1980 and attended Vernon College graduating with an Associate’s degree in 1983. Tim completed a Bachelor of Science degree from Tarleton State University in 1984 with a certification in Vocational Agriculture and a specialization in horticulture. He then added certifications to teach drama, special education and elementary education. He completed a Master’s degree in Education in 1998 from Tarleton State University.

Tim began his educational career teaching Special Education at the elementary level in the Alvarado Independent School District. He taught third grade for several years, then transitioned to teaching sixth grade writing at the middle school level. Upon completing his Master’s degree, Tim accepted a position with the Venus Independent School District as an Elementary Assistant Principal. He then became the Principal at Venus Primary School where he worked until diagnosed with brain cancer and his subsequent retirement.

Tim has enhanced countless lives in his career as an educator and is fondly remembered as one who led by example and helped students and coworkers alike with his encouragement, guidance, hopefulness, and sense of humor. He was known as a friend and mentor, one who was kind, loving, and funny. Tim’s loved ones would like to share some of the comments of those who remember him.

“In honor of one of the most amazing men I’ve ever known, Tim Goetze … he showed me what a love of children should look like and how staff should be treated. He gave me hugs when I needed them, listened to me complain when I thought I would explode, he disciplined me when he saw fit and most of all he supported me in all my endeavors.” – Amber Messmer.

“On Thursday we lost an amazing educator, friend and mentor! He was someone who has impacted my life personally and made even a greater impact professionally. He believed in me, pushed me and encouraged me. He loved people unconditionally. To say he made a difference in my life is an understatement. As I continue on this road called life I will remember him and hope I am able to love those around me like he loved. I love you and I hope I will make you proud.” – Jennifer Watson.

“Tim Goetze, you were a great man! Your smile could light up any room. Your passion for nurturing children played a huge part in me finding that same passion several years later. Sir, it was an honor to work alongside you,” – Erin Luhring.

“I think we are all better for having worked with, laughed with, and learned from him!” – Ronda Baker.

“Just hearing the smile in his voice made you have a better day! He will be missed greatly.” – Corey Neavin.

These are the jewels in Tim’s crown. His greatest achievements are the effects he had on the lives he touched. The light and laughter he shared with everyone changed the world around him for the better. We are all greater for having known Tim.

He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Edith Goetze and his brother Larry Goetze. He is survived by his husband Leslie Riddell of Burleson; twin brother Dr. Jim Goetze and Sister-In-Law Margaret of Laredo; Sister-In-Law Lyndal Gillen-Goetze of Electra; Sister-In-Law Jeane Edwards of Stephenville; Sister-In-Law Jane Musick of Stephenville; Sister-In-Law Tena Dennington and Brother-In –Law Jimmy Dennington of De Leon; paternal aunt Margaret Klinkerman of San Antonio; nephew Paul Goetze of Bryan; niece Katie Dewald and husband Lindsey of Colorado Springs, CO; nephew Luke Music and wife Brandie of Stephenville; niece Katie Keith and husband Darren of Dublin; nephew Jake Musick of Ranger; niece Karen Weaver and husband Jared of Stephenville; niece Niki Williams and husband Karsten of Fort Worth; nephew Will Grimshaw of Baltimore, MD; and a host of cousins and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 29th at South Hills Christian Church (3200 Bilglade Road, Fort Worth, TX 76133) - 11:00am with Minister Dottie Cook officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations to one of the following organizations would be appreciated:

Cancer Assistance Fund of North Texas

800 W. Magnolia Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76104

Community Hospice of Texas

310 Medpark Circle, Burleson, TX 76028

Tim Goetze Scholarship Fund

Venus Independent School district

c/o Renee Warner

P.O. Box 364

Venus, TX 76084