Obituaries

John Thomas Goetz, age 63, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on August 24, 2025, at the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie. He was born on January 28, 1962, to John (Jack) Edgerton and Alda Jean (McLean) Goetz.

John was a proud lifelong resident of Sault Ste. Marie. A graduate of Sault Area High School’s Class of 1980, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lake Superior State University.

John dedicated twenty-seven years of his life as a corrections officer, working tirelessly and sacrificing daily to provide a beautiful life for his family. His life was defined by a quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and an extraordinary work ethic. Though never one to seek the spotlight, his steadfast presence spoke louder than words, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Outside of work, John found joy in the simple things like spending time with his family, working out at the gym, attending church, and cheering on his favorite teams: the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, and the Michigan Wolverines.

His life leaves a legacy marked by humility, selflessness, faith, and above all, a deep love for his family and friends.

For forty years, John shared a loving marriage with his wife, Karen (Drake) Goetz. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children who were his greatest pride: Nicholas Goetz, Kaitlin (Roger) Ayers, Johnny Goetz, and Jacob Goetz. He also held a deep love for his siblings; sister, Marlene (John) Oberle; brothers, Darl (Marilyn) McLean, Harold (Susan) Goetz, and Stephen (Pat) Gable; as well as his cherished nieces, Crystal, Danielle, Elaine; nephew, Tommy; and great-nephews, Carter, Drake, and Jaxon.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alda.

While we mourn his passing, we take comfort in knowing this is not goodbye, but a “see you later”. Through God’s promise of eternal life for all who follow Christ, we rest in the hope of being reunited with him one day.

John’s favorite verse was 2 Corinthians 5:17;

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.”— 2 Corinthians 5:17

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 606 E 4th Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 at 10:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow promptly at 11:00 AM with a graveside service immediately after at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Raco, Michigan. A luncheon will be hosted at St. Joseph’s Church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ball Hospice House, 308 W 12th Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Mary’s Catholic School, 360 Maple St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, all organizations near and dear to John’s heart.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.familylifefh.com.