Bill Goettling

William "Bill" Ray Goettling, 76 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at his home in Higginsville. Bill was born in Washington, Missouri to Richard “Dick” and Dorothy (Thompson) Goettling on October 6, 1945 and was the oldest of two sons, blazing a path for his younger brother, Deryl. Bill and his classmates at Immanuel Lutheran School were the first group of students to complete grades 1st through 8th, where he went on to graduate from Higginsville High School in 1963. Bill continued his education by attending CMSU in Warrensburg, Missouri. He frequently joked that his degree was in Hearts due to the vast amount of time spent playing cards. After college he pursued the love of his life, marrying Anna Darlene (Dodson) Goettling in 1965. They spent the next 56 years together. Bill spent most of his working career with General Motors. He started at the Leed's Plant in 1972 until it's closing in 1988 and retired from the Fairfax plant in 2004. When time permitted, he baled hay for Harvey Erdman. After retirement he stayed busy helping a local home builder. Bill served 37 years as a Volunteer Firefighter for the Higginsville Fire Dept. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball. Bill served as a charter member of the Higginsville Historical Society, secretary of the Regional Jaycees and past president of the Higginsville Jaycees as well as a member of the Richmond Jaycees. He was a co-chairman for the Higginsville Centennial Celebration in 1969 and recently served as a committee member for the Higginsville Sesquicentennial Celebration. Bill was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Higginsville. He enjoyed playing on the church softball team and listening to the Lutheran Hour. As a young man, Bill was awarded the highest honor of achieving Eagle Scout. Bill enjoyed bowling and loved playing softball. He looked forward to working on the Sunday paper crossword. His hobbies included collecting baseball cards, stamps, coins, diecast cars, and trains. He was passionate about genealogy and studying the history of his family. Bill made many friends throughout his life and will be greatly missed. Survivors include his loving wife Darlene, of the home; two sons, Mike (Mary Jo) Goettling of Blue Springs, MO, John Goettling of Independence, MO; one brother, Deryl Goettling of Kansas City, MO; four grandchildren, Nicholas (Bethany) Goettling, Carter Goettling, Lacy Goettling, and Coy Goettling. Bill was preceded in death by his parents. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home 1600 Main St. Higginsville, MO. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Immanuel Lutheran Church located at 1501 Lipper St. Higginsville, MO. Interment will follow in the City Cemetery. Casket Bearers: Mike Goettling, John Goettling, Nicholas Goettling, Carter Goettling, Coy Goettling, and Bryan Dodson. Honorary Casket Bearers: Norman Dodson, Stephen Goettling. Memorial contributions may be made out to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Bill Goettling

October 6, 1945 - June 5, 2022