William E. “Bill” Goetz, 89, Stevens Point, a longtime
instructor at Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) died at Ministry St. Michael’s
Hospital Monday, May 10, 2016.

A private service was held upon cremation, assisted by
former colleagues, the Rev. Milt Van Natta and Craig Timm.

A memorial will be held at a later date in his “spiritual”
hometown of Grand View.

Memorials may be made to the MSTC Foundation or to The Grand
View United Methodist Church.

Boston Funeral Home in Stevens Point assisted with
arrangements. Condolences may be offered online at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.

Mr. Goetz was born April 20, 1927, in Park Falls, a son of
the late William F. and Elsie M. (Wallin) Goetz. In his teens, the family moved
to Stevens Point, where he graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1945. He
was a Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout and membership in Order of
the Arrow.

A published writer in a natural story-telling style, he
recently completed his memoirs of 70 years grouse hunting in northern
Wisconsin, with vintage photographs and illustrations by his brother (a retired
artist), which he intended to publish.

He served with the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947 in
Bremerhaven, Germany, and Namur-sur-Meuse, Belgium.

He graduated from Central State Teachers College in Stevens
Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1951, majoring in conservation. He
received a Master of Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens
Point in 1980.

After teaching high school for two years in both Merrill and
Elroy, he accepted a position at the Vocational and Adult Education School in
Wisconsin Rapids (now MSTC). He was originally hired as the driver’s training
instructor in 1955 and taught that subject for the next 20 years, also serving on
the State Board of Traffic Safety and Driver Education.

In 1975, when the technical school moved to the campus on
32nd Street in Wisconsin Rapids, he transitioned to the general education department
as an instructor of psychology and sociology. He retired at age 82 in 2009
after 54 years at the school.

He was a member of the Stevens Point Barbershoppers for
decades. He was also a longtime member of the Plover Methodist Church choir and
professionally performed with The Debonaires Dance Band. His “Bill Goetz and
Friends” sang at MSTC graduation for 30 years.

For more than 60 years he played with the Grand View
Orchestra, a group of volunteer musicians who performed annually at the Grand
View, Wis., Homecoming Picnic and local fire department benefit.

He resided at the Portage County Health Care Center the past
three months.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Victoria; one brother,
James (Nell), King; and four nephews.