Melvin Goetz

Melvin William Goetz, 85 years old, of Bismarck, ND, died on January 6, 2009, with his two sons present at his side. Services will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Jeff Tengesdal and Rev. Dale Nabben officiating. Military honors by VFW Post #1326 will also be held at the church. Interment will be in the spring at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm Friday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Melvin W. Goetz was born on October 21, 1923, in Werner, ND, the seventh child of 8 of Jacob and Christina Tschaekofske Goetz. Melvin was raised on a farm north of Werner, ND, and graduated from Werner High School. For several years after high school, he farmed with his family in the Werner area. Melvin served in the U.S. Army from 1946-1948 as part of the post-WWII U.S. occupation forces in Japan. On March 12, 1948, in Dunn Center, ND, Melvin married Norma Elaine Gates of Dodge, ND. From 1948-1952, Melvin farmed near Werner, ND, and Norma was a schoolteacher. Melvin and Norma moved to Bismarck in 1952, where he first worked in a service station, then as a diesel truck mechanic, and subsequently as a car salesman. During that time, he also attended night school part-time, taking accounting and business courses at Capitol Commercial College in Bismarck. He then joined the City of Bismarck as a real estate appraiser in 1962. Later he became the Bismarck City Assessor until his retirement in 1987. Melvin’s entire adult life was characterized by overwhelming love and devotion to his true love, Norma. From the time she suffered a severe disabling stroke in 1969, until her admission to a nursing home in 2003, he was her primary caregiver. During her three years of nursing home stay until her death in 2006, one could set their timepiece by Melvin’s daily arrival and departure from the home. Melvin sacrificed many personal pursuits of interest, without any complaint of burden, in order to provide compassionate and life-sustaining care and companionship to Norma. Melvin was also a devoted father and grandfather, taking immense delight in their visits, activities and achievements. Over the years, Melvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, “organizing” his workshop, playing pinochle and board games, and “solving problems” of any kind in a creative manner. In particular, Melvin was always viewed as a “port in a storm,” to those who knew him. Whether it was a friend, a long-lost extended relative, or someone in his immediate family, he was always available for loving and compassionate care and sustenance. He will be missed for many things, but his quick, wide smile and uproarious laugh will echo in our minds forever. Melvin is survived by his son, Darryl Maura Goetz, Minneapolis, MN; son Doug Kathy Goetz, Minot, ND; and five grandchildren: Justin, Brandon, Greta, Mirelle, and Saunder. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Norma Gates; and his seven siblings: Hulda, Harold, Leo, Elmer, Ervin, Richard and Peter.

Melvin Goetz

October 21, 1923 - January 6, 2009