Wilfred "Willie" Goetten

WILLIE GOETTEN

JERSEYVILLE - Wilfred Charles "Willie" Goetten, 87, died at 1:38 p.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Christian Hospital Northeast.

He was born in Jersey County, Illinois on October 5, 1936, the son of the late Henry and Margaret (Schmieder) Goetten.

Willie was blessed to have been born into a large, loving family that instilled the values of hard work, faith, love and commitment to family.  These same values continued throughout his life through his steadfast dedication to his family, his church and his community.

In the early 1960's, he was employed with the State of Illinois as a State Trooper, but his entire adult life was spent farming in Jersey County. 

He was a member of the Democrat Party, serving as the Party Chairman in Jersey County. He served on the Jersey County Board for over 25 years, as well as the Precinct Committeeman for English Township. While serving on the Jersey County Board, he served as Board Chairman, as well as dedicating his time to numerous committees, including, finance, road and bridge, tourism and economic development, building and grounds, and personnel.

He also served on the board of St. Mary's Westwoods Catholic Church in Fieldon since 1978, as well as the Berneice Wheaton Trust, and the Jersey County Health Department.

Always up for a good time and conversation, Willie was a member of the Rotary, Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus and Jersey County Farm Bureau, all in Jerseyville.   

He will be remembered for his love of his family and community, always possessing a smile and ready to go to work to assist anyone. He had a knack for always remembering names, and making people feel welcome. He was an incredible friend to many, and will be deeply missed.

He married the former Joyce Hayn on November 17, 1962 at St. Anselm's Catholic Church in Kampsville, and together they have been blessed with nearly 62 years of marriage and the joys of raising their three children on the family farm.

Surviving are his wife, Joyce Goetten of Jerseyville; two sons and daughters in-law, Jeff and Patty Goetten of Fieldon and David and Kellie Goetten of Jerseyville; four grandchildren, Laura Brennan of Springfield, Heather Goetten and Holly Goetten both of Jerseyville and Taylor Goetten of Alton; a sister, Rosalie "Sissie"  Hansen of Jerseyville; a brother, Norbert Goetten of Grafton;  along with a very special niece and nephew, Stacey and David Loellke of Maryville; along with their sons, William "Bill" Loellke of St. Charles, Mo., and Brendan (Caroline) Loellke of Kansas City, Mo.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Monica (Goetten) Brennan of July 2, 2016; a sister, Maurita Fraley; and two brothers, Roger "Tuffy" Goetten and Richard Goetten.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m.,Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fieldon, with Father Martin Smith officiating.

He will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Fieldon.

Memorials may be given to St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville.

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