William J. Goetz

William J. Goetz (Bill), age 87, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Bill was born on October 10, 1938 in Strasburg, North Dakota to Fred Goetz and Regina Reinbold Goetz.  He attended high school at Assumption Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery, in Richardton, North Dakota.  There he received an excellent education which served him well all his life.

Bill served in the U.S. Army and learned field radio repair before joining the Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

After discharge, he came to Appleton, Wisconsin where he met his soulmate, Marilyn Heule.  They married in 1962 and she was the center of his life for over 64 years. They brought four children into this world; Mary, Fred, Bill and David.

Bill was a man who never said “No.” If anyone suggested help was needed in any area, his reply was always positive. He had the most generous spirit and willingly shared his time, talents and treasure. He strived daily to greet friends, family or a stranger he may encounter, and after a brief conversation he hoped he left them feeling a little happier. He had a knack for raising the spirits of anyone in his presence. His frequent question was, “What can I do to help?”

Bill worked for Appleton Coated (later Appleton Papers) for 38 years, beginning as a technician in the mill. He earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh while employed with Appleton Papers. He held a variety of positions in the research department over the years including Manager of Process and Analytical Services, Manager of Process Development, and Applied Research Director. He traveled widely throughout Europe and Japan as part of his work.

He served with the Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Makers as Chairman of the Coating and Graphics Division and as Coating Conference Chairman. Bill also served on the TAPPI Board of Directors as a member of the Finance Committee and the Goals and Planning Committee, and as chairman of the Division Operations Committee. He was named a TAPPI Fellow, an honor given to less than one percent of the association’s membership, in recognition of extraordinary technical or service contributions to the industry and the association. He authored three papers published in the TAPPI Journal, and he holds four coating process patents.

A past member of the Fox Valleyaires, Bill sang in the chorus and was part of “The Captivators” barbershop quartet.  He appreciated the arts and enjoyed classical music, especially the Beethoven symphonies.

He devoted two years to serving as Boy Scout Troop 95 Scoutmaster and left the troop stronger and larger with many boy scouts attaining Eagle Scout.

A member of St Pius X Parish, he was active as a Lector and an usher.  He was the Athletic Director for two years and was a member of the Parish Council and Trustee.  An active member of The Knights of Columbus, Bill served as Grand Knight of Council 607.

After retirement, Bill did visitation with residents in St. Paul’s Nursing Home. He was a faithful volunteer at St. Joe’s Food Pantry and did taxes for the elderly with AARP.

Above all, he treasured the time spent with family and extended family. He enjoyed fishing trips, especially the ones with his brothers, nephews and his own sons.  He took great pleasure in the work as well as the play at the cottage on the bay of Green Bay near Peshtigo and often welcomed his entire extended family to spend time with him there.

Bill was a devoted husband, a loving father and a doting grandfather.  He was always ready to take part in a home improvement project, a homework assignment, or a game of Canasta. He loved tinkering with broken objects and had the ability to repair almost anything. His grandsons were his pride and joy.   He took great delight in introducing the boys to new experiences from horseback riding to scuba diving.  Family board games, fix-it and building projects and family piano concerts were frequent pursuits. It was a blessing to share a life with him. He will be sorely missed and will forever be held warmly in our hearts.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Marilyn (Heule) Goetz, one daughter and son-in-law: Mary Goetz and Gene Swanson, St. Paul, MN.  Three sons and two daughters-in-law: Fred Goetz, Eagan, MN; Bill and Kelly (Smith) Goetz, West Bend; David and Mary Ellen (Rodgers) Goetz, Eagan, MN. Three grandsons: Connor, Caleb, and Jacob Goetz.  His brother and sister-in-law: Fred and Diane (Cunningham) Goetz, Madison.  His sister: Regina Wellman, Appleton. Sister-in-law: Catherine (Deml) Goetz, Forest Lake, MN.  Brother-in-law:  Dennis Docherty, Lake Geneva. Many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Regina (Reinbold) Goetz and father, Fred Goetz.  His brother: Joseph Goetz; two sisters: Margaret (Goetz) Docherty; Barbara (Goetz) Greene; brother-in-law: Wally Greene.

A Funeral Mass for Bill will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette St., Appleton.  Visitation will begin at the church at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until 11:15 a.m.  Bill will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed: https://evt.live/william-goetz-funeral-mass.  For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.  

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