Duane R. Goetsch

Duane R. Goetsch, 87, of Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.  He was born on July 14, 1936, to the late Martin and Adeline Goetsch.  

Duane was employed at Kolbe and Kolbe prior to joining Featherstone where he worked for over 15 years. His cabinet making skills were held in high regard.  

He was an avid collector and had a particular passion for the Ford Model T and Jeffries trucks.  At one time, he had a fully assembled Model T in his basement.

Duane collected stamps and Wisconsin postal history. His stamp collection included examples from every country on this planet.   His collection of cancelations had at least one from every Post Office in Wisconsin, even some no longer in existence.

His house was reminiscent of a well curated museum. Between the old tools and treadle sewing machines one would come across the Edison phonographs and records, many in original Edison Cylinder format. He had ample Depression Glass in all colors of the rainbow.   He loved his old books; some dating back to the late 1700's, old documents, sheet music, calendars, technical manuals and anything to do with old cars, coins and stamps.

He loved playing cards and metal detecting.  Many cans hidden on already heavily laden shelves were filled with unearthed treasures.   Duane was a collector of artifacts. One of his prize collections was a shadow box housing his display of copper spear and arrow tips from an ancient Indigenous culture in the Great Lakes region.

He was a quiet man that did not want to be a bother. When his knees became weak and unpredictable, he would still mow his lawn; one hand on the mower and the other on his walker. But he would always graciously accept a pan of homemade brownies.

Duane is survived by his son, Gregory Goetsch; close friends, Linda Parmely and Allie Schmutzer; and his family at Sylvan Crossing.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father; his wife, Myrna (Beilke) Goetsch; and three sill born children.

A burial will take place at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Merrill, with military honors to take place at the graveside. A reflection of Duan's life will be held at Sylvan Crossing in Wausau, following the burial.