Eugene S. Goertz

Eugene “Gene” Goertz, age 82 of Austin, Texas passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2017.  Living his life with a true love for God and his fellow mankind, Gene unexpectedly went to be with his heavenly family and friends.  Gene, a Bastrop County Native, was born May 9, 1935 to Pius and Sadie (Grohman) Goertz at their family homestead in Rockne, Texas.  Growing up in a small Catholic community, Gene attended Sacred Heart School in Rockne and had a true appreciation for the history of his roots.  Being the seventh born of nine children, Gene was passionate about family and always had a special place in his heart for his siblings, his in-laws and their families.  After working in the oil fields for four years, Gene gave two years to our Country serving in the United States Army.  He was redrafted for an additional year and afterwards began his career with the United States Post Office in Austin where he retired after 34 years of service.  Gene married the love of his life Ellen Bartsch, November 28, 1964.  Making their home in Austin, Gene and Ellen raised two beautiful daughters, Sheila and Keitha, and were active members in St. Ignatius Church.  Gene exemplified his dedication to the Church serving as Eucharistic Minister, Greeter, Usher, and unlocking the church, opening the gates, and setting up the altar in preparation for the 7:30 AM Sunday mass for 20 years.  Having a decline in his health, Gene was unable to continue to actively serve the Church.  However, he stayed in touch with his Church family often hosting trips to his country sanctuary in Rockne.  One trip in particular was with Father Bill Wack, now Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee enjoying the simple life of swinging on the front porch.  Hosting holiday and birthday events, including Ellen’s parents in all family vacations, and taking nieces and nephews on family trips sums up how much Gene loved his extended family.  His girls and their families were truly his pride and joy.  He was a loving doting Father and Grandfather who made each visit a special memory for all. Gene had a very close relationship with his son-in-laws, Mark and Mike and was described by Mark as having “pearls of wisdom” and one who never spoke an unkind word.  Gene is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ellen Goertz; his daughter Sheila and husband, Mark Arellano and children Samuel and Aubrey; and his daughter Keitha and husband, Mike Nichols and children, Jack and Griffin.  Gene is also survived by his siblings Arthur Goertz, Ella Mae Bartsch, Verlin “Buck” Goertz and wife Rose, and Joyce Schuelke and husband John; his sisters-in-law Erlene Friske Goertz and Kay Cavitt Goertz;  his brother-in-law Dennis Bartsch, sister-in-law Adeline Fast and her husband Bill, sister-in-law Nelda Thompson, and brother-in-law Erwin Stolle; and numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.  Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Pius and Sadie Goertz; his brother Richard and wife Anna Wolf Goertz, his brother William J. Goertz, his sister Sr. Thecla O.S.B., and his brother Delphert Goertz; his sister-in-law Erlene Hilbig Goertz, his brother-in-law Edwin Bartsch, his brother-in-law Patrick Bartsch, his sister-in-law Bernice Bartsch Stolle, and his brother-in-law Ralph and wife Sandra Sassman Bartsch.  The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to caregivers Michelle, Talai, and Bridgette for their compassion, care, and friendship to Gene. Also a very special thank you goes to family members, Ella Mae Bartsch, Joyce Schuelke, Rose Goertz, Dennis Bartsch, Adeline and Bill Fast, Greg Bartsch, and Nelda Thompson for their unconditional love and care.  A Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 5, 2017 and funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 6, 2017.  Both services will be at Sacred Heart Church in Rockne, Texas with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Rockne.  Pallbearers are Mark Arellano, Samuel Arellano, Gary Bartsch, Lester Goertz, Bryan Goertz, Troy Schuelke, Bill Fast, and Clifford Bartsch.   Arrangements under the direction of Bastrop Providence Funeral Home, Bastrop, TX.