Janice Charlene Goettsch

Pocatello - Janice Charlene Staack Goettsch was born on December 28, 1935 in Clinton, Iowa.

She grew up on a farm and attended a rural school in Clinton County, Iowa until moving with her family to DeWitt, Iowa in 1947. She graduated from DeWitt High School in 1954 and enjoyed playing Piano and in the Trombone Quartet and Brass Sextet while participating in Girls Glee Club, Mixed Chorus and Girls Trio Band. Between duties on the farm she also participated in DeWitt Assembly, Order of Rainbow and was a member of Methodist Youth Fellowship Program. Janice then graduated from the School of Nursing at the University of Iowa in 1958. A degree she would later put to good use for 20 years as an Operating Room RN at Bannock Regional Medical Center after moving to Pocatello, Idaho with her husband, Dr. Robert W. Goettsch, in 1965.

The journey west to Pocatello, Idaho was adventurous, indeed, as they were blown off Interstate 80 during a Wyoming winter in their 1962 Volkswagen Beetle. Upon arriving, they lived near Idaho State University in the Idaho Motel then rented a home on East Terry until buying their dream home on 7th Avenue in the University District in 1968 - the same home where she peacefully passed away in her bed Thursday, September 23rd at 8:15p.

She truly became one with the west and enjoyed time outdoors walking and picnicking and traveling to Jackson Hole, Wyoming each summer between the family vacations to various places including Yellowstone, Glacier, Craters Of The Moon, Mount Rushmore and Custer National Parks. More family trips included Estes Park, Colorado and The Ozarks with occasional visits back to Iowa. Later in retirement she and Robert, her spouse of 52 years, enjoyed gaming and shows at Fort Hall, Idaho and Jackpot & Las Vegas, Nevada. Her favorite show to see was Barry Manilow.

As a mother, she nurtured her children's broad interests from business, sports and the arts while taking painting lessons herself. She often took her children and grandchildren to theatrical and musical performances along with guest speakers and multicultural food fairs at Idaho State University. She was an avid reader and had a unique interest in the stories told from climbers of the tallest peaks of the world.

Janice was well known for and highly skilled in Quilting, Knitting, Sowing, Needlepoint, Embroidery and Crocheted stuffed animals. She spent many happy hours crafting with her friends in the Portneuf Valley Quilters Guild, ISU Women's Club Quilting Group and the Fiber Arts Guild, which allowed her to give generously to friends, family and fundraisers with hand crafted items to be cherished. Everyone who has one of Janice's quilts feels the love and care she put into each one. She was also a long-time member of the Friendship Club and valued those relationships.

It was not uncommon for her to gift her countless "neighborhood children" as well. Her home was open to numerous friends of her children and their children's children over the years - where all who entered could be treated to an endless supply of home-baked sweets.

Her life was a subtle yet profoundly recognizable image of strength and selfless acts of love and compassion. Except for those telemarketers who received spirited dismissal - she was no pushover!

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Harry M. and Ruth J. (Benham) Staack, a brother, Harry Charles Staack and a sister, Carol Ann Staack McKenna.

She is survived by two sisters, Jeanne Mazula of Boulder, Colorado, Norma Smith of Reinbeck, Iowa, a brother, Dean G. Staack (wife Pat) of Hudson, Iowa, her husband Robert W. Goettsch of Pocatello, Idaho, her sons Michael D. Goettsch and Keith R. Goettsch (wife Monica) of Pocatello, Idaho, daughter Heidi K. McComb (husband John) of New Orleans, Louisiana and four grandchildren, Lexxi Goettsch (Michael), Mabry & Benton Goettsch (Keith) and Jack McComb (Heidi).

Her written request was to have No Services and we hope these written words reach the many people who were touched by her life. Donations in her name may be made to United Methodist Church of Pocatello or the Janice C. & Dr. Robert W. Goettsch Endowment at Idaho State University College of Pharmacy. Arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral 510 N. 12th Ave..

Visit www.pocatellofuneral.com for online condolences