Obituary of Henry Goethe

In the late hours of July 20th, Henry Cornell Goethe, age 80, slipped peacefully from the loving hands of his family into the embrace of the Lord. He was born on June 8th, 1935 in St. Augustine Florida, to William Sweat Goethe and Elizabeth Steele Goethe.

Henry attended Andrew Jackson High in Jacksonville, graduating early in January of 1953. After a year working as a surveyor for the City of Jacksonville, he served 9 years concurrently in the Air National Guard of Florida and the Reserve of the United States Air Force, earning the rank of Sergeant in the 125 Fighter Interceptor Squad before his honorable discharge in 1963. Henry welcomed his children, first Michael Alan Goethe in 1961, then Renee Lynn Goethe in 1964. Henry vowed to them that even though he lacked many things growing up, he would give them a better life. He achieved his dreams through education, hard work, and a persistent dedication to lifelong learning. Although working full time, Henry attended night school, accomplishing an undergraduate degree in accounting. He and his family lived in Muscatine, Iowa where he worked as an accountant for various firms. After earning a master's degree in accounting, he began working at Rock Island Arsenal. His job with the military allowed him the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and the Middle East. He especially delighted in telling stories of his trips to Egypt. After his retirement from the Rock Island Arsenal in 1997, Henry moved back to Jacksonville where he met his current wife Mary Jo Mann. He was a devout Christian and dedicated member of FaithBridge Church, where he found spiritual comfort and fellowship with his church family. Henry generously donated his time and energy as a volunteer at Memorial Hospital. He had a passion for history, devouring biographies and military history and relished introducing his grandchildren to the joys of the History Channel. He also loved going out to eat with friends and sharing in celebrations with family members; however, his greatest joy was in doting on his wife and family. Henry valiantly battled Wegener's Disease, a rare metabolic disorder, until he passed, but the memory of this well loved and loving man will remain in the hearts and minds of all those who survive him. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, by brothers William, Cliff, Charles, and Gerald. He is survived by brother Arthur (Helen), sisters Geraldine Wimberly and Elizabeth Jacobs.

He leaves his cherished wife Mary Jo Goethe; children Michael Goethe (Margaret) and Renee Goethe (Davey Collins), and step-children George Mann Jr. (Athena), Denise Jacobs (Ron), Carol Morton (Ken), and Kenneth Mann (Kim). His grandchildren include Max Collins, Britney Warner (Jason), Kenneth Morton Jr. (Rachel), Kiley Watson (Alex), Justin Morton (Bree), Zachary Morton, Anastasia Mann, Alexander Mann, Emily Mann, and Carson Mann. He also leaves great-grandchildren Dale, Lincoln, Lorelai, Gage, Pierce, and Liana. He is also survived by many other beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Visitation will begin at 10 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 AM Saturday July 25, 2015, at FaithBridge Church, 13720 McCormick Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225. Rev. Paul White will be officiating. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211. Memorial donations can be made to FaithBridge Church in honor of Henry's memory.