John Edward Goetz

John “J.R.” Goetz, 60, of Waltham, Minnesota passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 26, 2026. He was born on November 18, 1965, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Marilyn (Fronek) and Donald Goetz. He grew up living in Lima Center, WI with his two sisters, Julie and Michelle. At 15 years old, John met his soulmate and the love of his life, Letia Rae VanWinkle. The two were married on October 1, 1983. Together they raised three beautiful daughters, “Nik, Jack, & Jon”.

John was a hard-working auto mechanic for over 40 years. His dedication to the trade moved his family to Minnesota in 1997. Throughout his career, he worked at many automotive shops as well as helping friends and family. He finished out the last 5 years at Darrick's Preferred Auto in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. John was very grateful for all the love and support shown to him by the team at Darrick's during the progression of his health issues.

In his free time, John had a passion for hunting deer, turkey, shed antlers, and morel mushrooms. He shared many memories of bow hunting as well as training dogs to hunt shed antlers, both in nature and in competition, with his family. He spent most of his life chasing big bucks and teaching his daughters and grandchildren his love for the great outdoors.

Above all, John was a loyal husband, father, and grandfather. Family was always what he valued most. His legacy will live on through the love he shared for music and the devotion he had for his family.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Letia Goetz (VanWinkle); three daughters, Nikki (Kyle) Anderson, Jacki Goetz (Noel Wright), and Jonni (Josh) Holtan; sister, Michelle Goetz; grandchildren, Destiny (Seth) Sparby, Rylee (Christina) O’Connor, Kaidance Anderson, Annalise Anderson, Talyne Iverson, Maveryk Erath, Kamdyn Erath, Breahna Hampton, Adalynn Holtan, Brantyn Hampton, and Everleigh Holtan; and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn and Donald Goetz; sister, Julie Goetz; grandparents; and many beloved family members and friends he considered his family.

A celebration of life will be held at the family farm in Waltham, Minnesota on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

To share a special memory or condolence please, visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd Street NW, Hayfield, Minnesota, 507-477-2259. Blessed be his memory.