John Charles Goethe, kind, gentle soul
John Charles Goethe, 80, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully Friday, May 20, 2022, surrounded by family. John was born June 9, 1941, in Watertown, Wis., to Joseph and Hilda Goethe.
After graduating college in Chicago, John’s work for Xerox took him on travels to 48 states before transitioning to a career in retail management and settling in upstate New York. While visiting Saratoga Springs, N.Y., John met his beloved wife, Donna, and they married in 1974.
It didn’t take much to make John smile. He found joy in even the simplest of things. John loved to travel and was always up for an adventure, but he most loved his time spent on his boat, fishing pole in hand, in the waters off southern Delaware, where he and his wife retired in 2008.
John always saw the best in people and was a kind and gentle soul. He was incredibly lighthearted and found humor in every situation. Even in his final days, he was making those around him laugh. John battled a number of difficult illnesses over several years, but never once did he complain. He always stayed positive and lived his life to the fullest. He adored his family and spent his final days reminiscing about the joyful memories they made together.
John is survived by his wife, Donna; and their three children, Jonathan, Christina (one granddog) and Jeffery (one grandchild); and his son, Joseph (Diana, two grandchildren).
A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 25, at Long Neck Methodist Church, 32051 Long Neck Road, Millsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in John’s name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
