Published: July 01, 2008 10:45 am         

Henry A. Goertz

July 23, 1948-June 28, 2008

Henry Arnold Goertz, 59, of Bristol, Indiana, died at home of cancer on June 28.

Henry was born in Goessel, Kansas, on July 23, 1948, to Ernest and Elma Goertz. He spent time in Zaire (Congo) doing voluntary service (PAX) from 1968-1970. He attended and graduated from Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, where he met Alice Miller of Hanston, Kansas. They were married Jan. 29, 1971.

After moving to northern Indiana, Henry attended Mennonite Biblical Seminary part time and worked in the public welfare departments of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. He and Alice returned to Kansas in 1980 where he attended law school at the University of Kansas. Henry practiced law in Dodge City, Kansas, from 1984 through 2003, where they raised their family. He and Alice then returned to northern Indiana, which was in closer proximity to their adult children.

In recent years, Henry has enjoyed bicycling, doing volunteer work at Mennonite Mission Network, splitting wood for indoor heating, singing, exploring issues of faith, and spending time with family and friends. A highlight in his life was a return visit to Congo in December 2006. He was a member of College Mennonite Church, Goshen.

Surviving is his wife Alice of 37 years, as well as son Jeremiah of Elkhart; son Marvin and wife Eve of Bourbonnais, Illinois; son Isaiah of Bristol; and granddaughters Morgan and Toby. Other survivors include his parents, Ernest and Elma Goertz, of Goessel, Kansas; as well as sisters Ruth (Les); Emily; Dorothy (Chuck); Esther (Stan); Naomi (Chris); brother Joel; and nieces and nephews. A sister, Mary, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be at College Mennonite Church, 1900 S. Main St., Goshen, from 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5. A memorial service will be at College Mennonite Church, Goshen, at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 6. Officiating will be the Rev. Klaudia Smucker. Cremation has taken place and committal will be at a later time.

The family suggests memorial gifts to Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission, P.O. Box 744, Goshen, IN 46527 or Mennonite Central Committee, 1013 Division St., Goshen, IN 46528. The Elkhart Cremation Service, Elkhart, Indiana, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to haalgoertz@yahoo.com.