Jack H. Goetz, 86, passed away at his home in Yakima on October 6, 2011. He was born to Charles "Jake" Goetz and Lenore Gibson Goetz on March 28, 1925, in Moscow, Idaho. He enjoyed a youthful farm life near Viola, Idaho. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. While attending the University of Idaho, he met and married Margaret "Peggy" Mackin in 1946. Two sons, Michael and Steven were born in 1949 and 1951.
His career in radio broadcasting began in Moscow, ID at KRPL and in Colfax, WA at KCLX. The year 1950 found him in Grand Junction, Colorado, and in 1952 he arrived in Yakima as General/Sales Manager of KIT Radio. In 1965, he became the owner of KIT Radio and in 1968 put station KATS on the air. For several years, he also owned Yakima Telephone Answering Service and Yakima Medical Exchange Answering Service. Jack retired in 1987 and began spending winters in Arizona where he spent many hours rooting for the Mariners during their spring training camp. Jack was active in several Yakima and State activities including Yakima Chamber of Commerce, Yakima Visitors & Convention Bureau, Yakima Country Club, Yakima Gyro Club, as well as, AAA of Washington, Blue Cross of Washington/Alaska, and the Washington State Association of Broadcasters.
Most of all, Jack enjoyed his friendships, his family, the business world, the game of golf, and his mountain retreat at Cliffdell. He loved this country and the great American way of life. He always believed that Yakima was the best place in the world to live. In 2003, Jack married Louise Hammerstad and together they began a new life filled with family and social events, traveling, and many pleasant weekends in the mountains at their cabin.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Goetz, son, Michael Goetz, parents, Charles and Lenore Goetz, brother, Charles Goetz Jr. and stepson, James Hammerstad.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Louise; his son, Steve Goetz (Barbara); grandson, Jake Goetz and granddaughters, Kelley & Kristi Goetz all of Issaquah; nephew, Chuck Goetz (Debbie) of Viola, ID; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving "blended family", "daughters" DeeAnn Millet (Rich) and Kay Simpson of Yakima; brother in law and sister in law, Harvey & Beverly Johnson of Brightwood, Oregon; 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
The family is grateful for the compassion and care given by Ellen, Peggy & Karen of Regional Hospice and Liz of Memorial Home Health Care. A very special thank you and love to Jack's caregiver, Hope De La Cruz for her prayers, her love, and her commitment in caring for Jack.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to a charity of giver's choice.
A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Keith & Keith Terrace Heights Chapel. Burial will follow at the Terrace Heights Memorial Park. Keith & Keith Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18