John Robert Goetke, age 95, known as Jack to family and friends, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Autumn Lake Healthcare of Oceanview. He was a resident of Northfield, NJ and formerly of West Milford, NJ. He was a proud American, a WW II veteran and a member of the Greatest Generation.
Born in Queens, NY on February 2, 1925, Jack is predeceased by his parents, John Peter and Frances Theisen Goetke as well as his brother Robert Goetke and sister Alice Cerny. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Mangan Goetke of the home, four sons, John Peter Goetke (Rhonda) of Stedman, NC, James Joseph Goetke of Ocean City, NJ, Michael Joseph Goetke (Janet) of Summit, NJ, and Peter Matthew Goetke of the home. He is also survived by a daughter, Patti Goetke Walker (Tommy) of Ashburn, VA. Jack also leaves behind four grandchildren, Jessica Goetke Black (Michael), Matthew Goetke (Stuart), Kyle Goetke and Keira Goetke. He is survived by great-grandchildren, Holland Goetke, Grant Black, John William Goetke, and Jackson (Jack) Goetke. He has one surviving sister, Claire Goetke Roman of Oneonta, NY as well as many nieces and nephews. Jack was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who often wrote cards and letters to his children and grandchildren.
He was a self-taught computer enthusiast. In later years when writing became more difficult, he would send emails to his family to keep in touch. Jack loved his family well. Before his recent declining health, he cared for his loving wife and son in the home. He was a chemist by trade and was an avid fisherman who grew up on Jamaica Bay in Queens, NY. He fished weekly during his retirement until the age of 92 on both the beach in Ocean City, NJ and on the Duke O’ Fluke out of Somers Point, NJ. He took many fishing trips with one of his best friends and brother-in-law, Frank Wentink. One notable trip was to Belize where Jack and Frank were in fishing heaven. We are sure he is fishing all the best heavenly fishing spots with Uncle Frank today!
Jack loved the outdoors where he spent many hours riding his bike on the Ocean City Boardwalk or walking and enjoying the nature of Birch Grove Park where the staff dedicated a bench in his honor. He spent many mornings eating breakfast at his favorite restaurant, Romanelli’s, of Linwood, where he was well loved and cared for by the staff. He never met a stranger and was a great friend to all. He also enjoyed working out three days a week well into his 90’s. Jack loved to eat and was a wonderful cook. He was an avid Brooklyn Dodgers fan but when the Dodgers left town, the New York Mets became his team. He enjoyed sharing that enthusiasm with his family, watching the Mets earn more World Series Championships than the Dodgers did. The family continues to cheer the Mets on through the good and the not so good times.
Our family and the Greatest Generation has lost a wonderful man. Jack’s family would like to thank the staff at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Oceanview as well as the staff of Compassionate Care Hospice for their compassion and care shown to Jack over the recent months.
A private burial will take place on Monday, October 5, 2020 with a celebration of life planned for a later date.
Memorials may be made in Jack’s memory to Last Salute, 256 Aschwind Court, Galloway, NJ 08205 or at www.lastsalute.us.
Arrangements are by Adams-Perfect Funeral Home.