Joseph “Joe” T Goetz, 61, of Spring Prairie, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, strength, and deep love for his family.
Born in Burlington, Wisconsin, on December 28, 1964, he was the son of Bernard and Mae (nee Spriggs) Goetz. His early life was spent in Kansasville, Wisconsin. He attended St. Mary’s Dover Elementary School, St. Mary’s High School, and graduated from Burlington High School. On November 9, 1991, he was united in marriage to Jana Whitford. Following marriage, they built their home in Spring Prairie.
Joe was a devoted husband to his wife, Jana, of 35 years, a very proud father of five – Melissa (Matt) Lein, Emily (Matt) Grams, Nolan (Ashley Vyvyan) Goetz, Nathan Goetz, and Brody (Andria Lebron) Goetz. A loving Pop Pop to seven grandchildren – Layla, Sophie, Molly, Ellis, Kayeson, Cooper, and Freya. He took great pride in providing for his family and ensuring they were always cared for, supported, and guided. He is further survived by siblings Ellen Galvan, Barb (Denis) Sommers, and Peter (Debbie) Goetz, along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, brother Andrew Goetz, in-laws Joe and Lynn Whitford, niece Jenna Wiess, and nephew Ethan Beronja.
Known for his stubborn streak and strong will, Joe often said, “If I want it done right, I might as well do it myself.” Those who knew him understood this wasn’t just a saying—it was how he lived his life. That same determination made him incredibly dependable and endlessly capable.
Joe had a gift for fixing and building just about anything. His extensive collection of tools and toys was a testament to both his knowledge and his passion, and his expertise will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who could always count on him to solve any problem.
He was equally known for his generous spirit. Joe was always willing to help anyone who asked, never hesitating to lend a hand. After his retirement from Zenith Tech Inc, doing bridge construction for 40 years, he stayed busy helping friends on their farms, driving trucks or tractors during harvest season. He also found purpose in volunteering with his local snowmobile club, the Lyons Sno Bums.
Joe loved being outdoors and had a passion for anything with an engine. He took great pride in keeping his lawn immaculate, mowing it every week with care. Winters were reserved for snowmobile trips up north, and in warmer weather, he could often be found cruising in his side-by-side, enjoying the fresh air and the simple pleasures of life.
Always driving slow – known to friends and neighbors as “Slow Joe.”
Above all, Joe will be remembered as an extremely hardworking, dedicated family man whose strength, wisdom, faith, and love will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
The family would like to thank Pro Health Home Hospice, along with the Pro Health Care Cancer Center doctors and staff.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations, which will be distributed in Joe’s honor to charities meaningful to the family.
A Mass will be held for Joe on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dover. A Celebration of Life will take place this summer at a later date.
