Robert W. Goettsch

Pocatello-Long-time Pocatello resident Dr. Robert W. Goettsch, 84, passed away on November 16, 2011, after a hard-fought battle against diabetes.

Robert was born on September 27, 1927, to Alfred and Dena Goettsch, in Atlantic, Iowa, where he and his five siblings grew up learning the value of hard work and the true meaning of perseverance during the Great Depression. He attended Atlantic High School and graduated in 1945. After high school, he entered the United States Army before attending the University of Colorado where he obtained a Bachelors degree in Science with honors in 1951. He then continued his education completing his graduate college work at the State University of Iowa earning a Masters of Science in 1953. He then obtained his PhD in 1957. During this time, he met and fell in love with the apple of his eye, a nursing student by the name of Janice Staack and they married at a chapel on campus. In 1965, they ventured to Pocatello, Idaho where Robert was employed at Idaho State University as a professor of pharmacy. He was highly esteemed in the eyes of both students and staff and commonly regarded as one of the more challenging and demanding instructors during his time teaching.

Throughout his early life he was highly active, playing handball, golf, bowling, hiking and skiing among other things, In his autumn years, he and Janice enjoyed square dancing; a hobby that earned him the ridicule of at least one of his children which he suffered good naturedly. He was also a mean competitor in the walking division of the local 5k fun runs. In his later years, his pursuits were more leisurely. He loved watching sports on television, but enjoyed attending local sporting events even more. He was a die-hard supporter of ISU athletics, in particular the woman's basketball team. He also took a great amount of pleasure from spending time with his grandchildren.

Robert didn't laugh often, but when he did it was genuine and infectious. He was a quiet and introspective man who thought things through before reacting. Even near the end, his mind was sharp and his wit intact. He didn't seem to have an angry bone in his body. One of the most difficult tasks he ever undertook was teaching his youngest son how to drive a 1962 Volkswagen with an unmanageable stick shift and a touchy clutch that recoiled like a mule's kick. Even after several hundred lurching start and jerky halts Robert's patience never waned. His willingness to endure and a calm demeanor were defining characteristics of the type of man he was and they served his well in teaching a wide range of difficult tasks-from concepts of pharmacology to driving a manual transmission to shooting a free throw. He was also a generous man and compassionate human being who shared his wealth with charitable organizations and his heart with friends and loved ones. He is preceded in death by both parents, his wife, Janice, and his sister, Phyllis. He is survived by three brothers, Randall (wife Betty) , Richard (wife Adra Ann), Russell (wife Kathy), and one sister, Sharon (husband Dwight), his three children, Michael, Heidi (husband John), and Keith (wife Monica), and four grandchildren, Lexxi, Mabry, Jack, and Benton. The family of Dr, Goettsch would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the kind people at Quail Ridge, Portneuf Medical Center, Pocatello Care and Rehab, and others who were instrumental in his care. The world has lost a teacher and those that knew him have lost a friend but his spirit and our love for him carry on always.

Please join us in remembering Dr. Robert W. Goettsch at an open house at his home (540 South 7th) on December 2, 2011, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be service.

Arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave.