Judy Goetz

Judy met her lifelong companion, Robert “Bob” Goetz, at the store where he and her mother Frances worked. With a little matchmaking help from her mother, Judy and Bob’s first date was a family picnic and they were together from that day forward. They married on May 23, 1959, at St. Michael’s Church in Monroe, officiated by Fr. Hugo Noetzel.

Judy and Bob’s life together was filled with love, adventure, and service. They lived in many places across Michigan and in Ontario–including Monroe, Scarborough (Ontario), Novi, Commerce, Chelsea, and finally East Lansing. During their retirement, they spent 16 years at their river home in Hubbard Lake, creating lifelong memories with their children and grandchildren.

Judy was a devoted homemaker, whose warmth and skills created a loving and welcoming home. A woman of deep faith, she was actively involved in the Catholic Church, teaching preschool religious education, organizing teen groups with Bob, and serving as a Eucharistic minister. She was a cub scout den mother and 4-H leader. In retirement she was a volunteer at the hospital in Alpena and with hospice care.

She had a lifelong love of nature, creativity, and family. Judy enjoyed camping, road-tripping out west with Bob, and often accompanying him on business trips. She was also a gifted painter and kept heartfelt journals full of reflections, gratitude, and inspiration.

Judy’s generosity of spirit extended beyond her family — she was a mother to many, always focused on the needs and happiness of others. Her dedicated support helped Bob through college and later his studies to become a deacon.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Deacon Bob Goetz; their children, Theresa (Andre) Micheaux, Karen Goetz, Greg (Denise) Goetz; her daughter-in-law, Sandy Goetz; 12 wonderful grandchildren, Alanna, Jenna, Marie (Ryan), Jackie, Robert, Emily, Julia, John, Jarad (Bryce), Parker, Ian, and Brianna; her sisters, Jane, and Jean; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Judy was predeceased by her daughter, Christine Gailbreath; her son, Brian Goetz; her parents, Bud and Francis, and her brothers, Bob and Dick.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, the Goetz family asks that donations be made in Judy’s name to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207.

Visitation will be at Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, Tuesday, June 10, 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, with a wake service at 7:00 pm. Wednesday morning visitation will be at Joseph Church, 6805 Mast Rd, Dexter at 10:00, followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 am. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, 2528 Baker Rd, Dexter.