IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.
Glenn Goertz
A celebration of life for Glenn Jacob Goertz, 92, who peacefully went to join his wife in heaven May 14, 2024, will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro.
A light lunch will be served after the service.
Glenn was born June 17, 1931, in Hillsboro to Bruno and Helena (Bartel) Goertz.
His mother passed away when Glenn was an infant, leaving him to be raised by his father and his aunt, Wallie Pankratz. Bruno remarried Helen Claassen when Glenn was a teenager.
Glenn had fond memories of growing up in Hillsboro and often told stories of his paper route and old cars he would fix to drive. Glenn was a Boy Scout and had the honor of being his senior class president.
Upon graduation from high school, he attended Bethel College and the University of Houston.
His education was interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the Korean War. His service included training as a field medic and also in neuropsychiatrics.
His typing skills ultimately earned him positions in offices instead of serving in the field, for which he was very thankful.
He served in Colorado, Korea, and Japan. Upon returning to the States, he enrolled at Bethel College and received a degree in economics.
His first job after college graduation was as an inspector at Beechcraft in Wichita.
He loved to tell about his basement apartment and how frugal he and his roommate could live.
After a year in the city, he returned to Hillsboro to help his father with his businesses.
His father, Bruno, owned a Chevrolet dealership alongside a filling station. He also owned Concrete Products Inc., which began as a concrete block manufacturer and eventually became a ready-mix concrete plant. This is where Glenn landed and spent most of his career.
Glenn always enjoyed a nice meal and a hot cup of coffee, which led him to frequent meals at Plett’s Café. The fact that there was a beautiful young waitress named Janice was merely a coincidence.
Glenn and Janice were married May 30, 1960. Their first residence was a small apartment above the Gamble’s store in downtown Hillsboro — consistent with his past frugal living arrangements.
He took great pride that they saved enough money to build their first home and never required a mortgage. The home proved to be a great investment as they lived in it their entire married life.
The house is filled with many memories for the entire family as every holiday until this last year was celebrated in their home.
In August of 1966, Glenn and Janice welcomed their first child, Dyan, followed by John in 1968.
Glenn worked long hours to support his family. He also made it a priority to spend time with his family. Riding motorcycles, camping, photography, and travel were a few favorites.
In 1988, he survived a heart attack and shortly after sold his business and entered partial retirement.
He and Jan enjoyed multiple vacations, including trips to Europe and Hawaii and traveling in their RV around the United States.
His free time was spent in his shop, carving and turning beautiful wooden bowls. A highlight of his retirement was being chosen for an honor flight to Washington, D.C.
Life changed again for Glenn in 1998 with the arrival of his first grandchild, Drew, followed by Kristin, Olivia, Lauren, and Jacob.
Glenn and Janice’s lives revolved around their grandchildren. They attended school events, golf tournaments, ballgames, and dance recitals.
When they couldn’t attend sporting events in person, they would watch or listen on the Internet.
Every holiday was spent with their children and grandchildren by their sides. In later years, evening FaceTime calls became a new tradition.
In 2021, Glenn lost the love of his life after 61 years of marriage. On May 14, 2024, he peacefully went to join her in heaven.
Glenn is survived by daughter Dyan Thornton (and husband Dave), son John Goertz (and Kelly), and grandchildren Drew Thornton (and Sara Kate), Kristin Goertz (and fiancé Paul Bergstrom), Olivia West (and Andrew), Lauren Goertz, and Jacob Goertz.
Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers.
Gifts may be given to the Glenn and Janice Goertz Scholarship Fund with Hillsboro Community Foundation or to First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro in care of Jost Funeral Home, PO Box 266, Hillsboro KS 67063.
Online condolences at www.jostfuneralhome.com.