Ronald Gilbert Goetsch

Ronald (Ron/Ronnie) Gilbert Goetsch, age 85, of Wausau, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024, at Primrose Memory Care, Weston, Wisconsin, from congestive heart failure and dementia. During the weeks prior to his passing, Ron was blessed with visits by family and friends, and received special care from Primrose and Compassus hospice staff.  All the while his loving wife, Rometta, was at his side.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024, at 12:00 PM at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 426 Washington Street in Wausau, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Church until the start of the service.

Ron was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, on August 15^th, 1938, to Gilbert and Ethel (Weiland) Goetsch. He was united in marriage to Rometta (Scherr) Goetsch June 25, 1960. Ron was a loving husband to Rometta and to their 2 daughters, Lori and Susan. Ron and Rometta were blessed with 63 years of marriage.   

In his earlier years, you could find Ron racing boats on Lake Wausau, snowmobiling with friends and family, or waxing one of his many nice cars. Ron was a great swimmer and water skier and was a lifeguard in high school. Ron and Rometta loved boating and fishing, and spending time at their cottage on Deer Lake in Tomahawk. They loved it so much they built a new home on the property and lived on Deer Lake for about 20 years, before moving back to Wausau.  

Ron and Rometta were great entertainers. They loved hosting parties for friends, family and employees. Ron loved happy hour, grilling, cooking, and singing by the fire.

Ron spent a lot of time making his yard look perfect. The landscaping, stairs, garden beds, bridges, etc., were designed by Ron, and looked amazing.

Ron has always been a hard worker. He worked in the granite industry all his life. He started working at Anderson Brothers and Johnson Company in the factory and later became sales manager. He was treasurer on the Board of Directors. In 1980, Ron and Rometta purchased Wausau Monument Company. As an artist, Ron created one-of-a-kind drawings for engravement onto customers’ monuments. Ron and Rometta were at Wausau Monument until their retirement and sale of the business to their daughter, Susan (Tom) Pergolski, in 2005.

Ron is survived by his wife, Rometta (Scherr) Goetsch, Weston, Wisconsin; his daughter, Lori (Mike) Detjens; his two sisters, Joy Foth of Wausau and Carrie Schmit of Michigan. He is further survived by 3 loving grandchildren, Seth (Jenna) Detjens of Woodbury, MN, Danielle (John) Ballschmieder of Wausau, and Logan Ballschmieder of Wausau. He is survived by 3 great-grandchildren, Mykko Martinez of Wausau, Millie Martnez of Wausau, and Noland Detjens of Woodbury, MN.

Ron was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan (Tom) Pergolski.