Herbert H. M. Goelz, 88 years old of Hoagland, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 in the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. He was born on Tuesday, January 19, 1926 in Decatur, Indiana the son of the late William Goelz and the late Alma (Tewers) Goelz. He married Dorothy C. Knipstein on November 4, 1951 in St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2014. Herb was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. During World War II, Herb served in the United States Navy and was stationed in the Pacific Theater of Operation, seeing conflict in Okinawa and other battles in preparation for the invasion of Japan. Following his entry in the United States Naval Reserve and his discharge from the Naval Reserve, he joined the Indiana Air National Guard and was stationed in Fort Wayne with the 122nd Tactical Fighter Wing until his discharge in 1952 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock where he had served as a trustee and a deacon. He was also a member of the VFW Post #10205 of Monroeville and the American Legion Post #420 of Monroeville. Herb retired from Dana Corp. in 1987 with over 39 years of service. Surviving are his son, Wayne E. (Julie) Goelz of Hoagland; son, Kevin R. Goelz of Hoagland; son, Ray Dean (Dana) Goelz of Valparaiso; sister, Willa Mae (Walter) Stafford of Fort Wayne; sister, Marjorie Armstrong of Columbia City; and seven grandchildren, Justin (Karrie) Goelz; Brooke Goelz; Jana (Matt) Hirschy; Jamie Goelz; Geoffrey Goelz; Anthony Goelz; and Alexandra Goelz. Preceding Herbert in death were a son, Mark Alan Goelz in 1961; two brothers, Robert Goelz and Daniel Goelz; and three sisters, Velma McDonald, Eleanor Cox, and Katherine Goelz. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2014 in the St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock with Rev. Douglas Christian officiating. Interment will follow in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery Flatrock. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, December 19 in the St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock and one hour prior to the services Saturday at the church. All visitation will be held at the church. Preferred memorials are to St. John Lutheran Church, Flatrock.
