Obituary of Karl Goettel, provided by Becky Struve:
Obituary of Karl Goettel, provided by Becky Struve:
KARL GOETTEL DIES MONDAY
The sudden death of Karl R. Goettel Monday came as a shockto the entire community. He had been inapparently normal health earlier in the morning when he went about his usual workat the Goettel store, but passed away quietly at his home shortly before noonfrom a heart attack.
Karl Goettel was born November 6, 1899, in the buildingwhere he died, the first floor of which is occupied by the store. His parents were William Herman and MaryRoegner Goettel, pioneers of this area, who first were in the merchandisingbusiness in Cleves and later moved to Ackley do go into business.
He attended the Ackley schools and was a member of the 1918Ackley High School graduating class. Thesummer following his graduation he spent with the Jones Chautauqua, travelingabout the Iowa circuit.
In the fall of 1918 he enlisted in the Student Army TrainingCorps and was stationed at Grinnell College, Grinnell, until after theArmistice in November, 1918.
On his return to Ackley, he began working for the Goetteland Son firm, and later was a partner of his brother Frank in the general storewhich was then know as Goettels'.
He and Cleva Miller of Iowa Falls, were married June 18,1923.
Karl was one of the best known and liked businessmen ofAckley. His interests were many, butsports were his first love with football at the head of these. He had followed the local high school teamssince he was a boy, and remembered most of the players and many of theiropponents. He was always present at thehome games and usually at those played out of town, and he backed the teamswhich were not making such a good showing as whole heartedly as he did thewinners.
One of the joys of his earlier years was the 3rd DistrictLegion Band, in which he played the cornet, and the activities of which heenjoyed recalling.
His memory for friends and acquaintances, even those he hadnot seen for years, was always a source of wonder to those who knew him.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and theAmerican Legion.
Surviving him are his wife, Cleva; a daughter, Mrs. DonEdgerly (Mary Frances) of Charlotte, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Don,Carol and Paula Edgerly; and a brother Frank of Ackley.