Goertz, John (1915-1990)

"Mennonite Brethren Herald" obituary: 1990 Aug 24 p. 32

Birth date: 1915

text of obituary:

JOHN GOERTZ

John Goerz of Kitchener, Ont. passed away July 4. He was born Jan. 14, 1915 to Johann and Helena Goerz in Blumenort, southern Russia. In 1925 the family immigrated to Canada. He spent his youth in Dalmeny, Sask., where his father was Bible school teacher. He came to personal faith, was baptized and joined the MB Church in Dalmeny. He attended MBBC in Winnipeg, where he met Ann Braun, marrying her in 1948. Two years later they moved to Kitchener. He worked as a machinist. He sang in the choir at Kitchener MB Church and was its conductor for 22 years. He sang as a soloist and in duets and quartets in the church and community, and many were blessed with his gifts. The Sunday before his fatal stroke he sang "I'd rather have Jesus" and "Some golden daybreak". Predeceased by 1 brother, he is mourned by his wife; sons Carl of Saskatoon and Thomas of Toronto; daughters Judith Penner of Senegal, Africa and Margaret Smith of Buffalo, NY; 4 grandchildren; 3 brothers and 4 sisters. The funeral was July 8 in Kitchener MB Church, with Ron Toews ministering.