Merlin Goetsch

Merlin Goetsch, age 77, Marathon, died Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, peacefully at home.

He was born Dec. 21, 1943, in Wausau, son of Julius and Dehla (Bahr) Goetsch. On Nov. 2, 1963, he married Sharon Dahlke at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Marathon.

Merlin grew up on the family farm before becoming a full time carpenter for many years, while also growing ginseng and dairy farming with his brother, Harley. He was a skilled logger, loved operating his bulldozer and developed the craft of restoring vintage horse wagons. His hobbies included working with Belgian draft horses, going to area auctions, hunting and fixing farm equipment. Merlin had a great love for animals of all kinds. He looked forward to and faithfully attended Men’s Bible Study.

Survivors include wife, Sharon (Dahlke) Goetsch of Marathon; children: Gregory (Diane) Goetsch of Wausau, Shelley (Shawn) Kage of Marathon and Brendon Goetsch of Wausau; grandchildren: Jared and Jessica Kage of Marathon, Alaina and Julia Goetsch of Wausau; brother, Harley Goetsch of Weston; brother-in-law, Elroy Roeder, Jr. of Rothschild; sister-in-law, Doris Dahlke of Merrill; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Merlin was preceded in death by many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service was held on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church ELCA, (Town of Stettin). Helke Funeral Home assisted the family.

Paid obituary 112001