Jerome Henry Goetzinger

Jerome Henry, son of Peter C. and Marie (Schilling) Goetzinger, was born November 1, 1920 at Templeton, Iowa. He attended school in Templeton, then Manilla where he graduated from high school. Jerome's father died when he was nine years old and he was raised by his mother and step-father Henry Dubrall. Jerome served at sea in the United States Navy and after his discharge settled in California to work at Decca Records. On August 31, 1945 he was united in marriage with Leola Van Sickle at St. Thomas Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA. They lived in California for a time, then settled back in Iowa. Jerome managed grocery stores in Sac City, Lake City, Charter Oak and Eldora, IA. He then was the dietician for the State Training School for Boys. Jerome was a member of the American Legion and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Eldora. He loved doing yardwork and bowling and was a life-long fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs. Jerome never turned down a trip to the casino or dog races. He was always available for his friends and family, giving of his support and acceptance. In the fall of 2010 Jerome moved to Cedar Falls to be nearer his wife's nursing home facility. Following a short illness he died on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, at the Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. He was 90 years and 8 days of age. Preceding him in death are his parents and sister-in-law "Emmy" Goetzinger. Jerome is survived by his wife Leola Goetzinger of Cedar Falls; four children: Jerry Lee Goetzinger (Pat) of Denison; Laurie Youngblood of Cedar Falls; Craig Goetzinger (Chiyon) of DeForest, WI; Thomas Goetzinger (Susan) of Glendale, CA; five grandchildren: Amy Thornton (Brad); Jason Goetzinger (Jenne); Thomas Kaufmann; Eric Youngblood; Noriko Murai; five great-grandchildren; brothers Paul Goetzinger of San Diego, CA, and Melvin "Tiny" Goetzinger of Evansville, IN; other relatives and friends.