George Elmer Goesch, aged 95, left us in the early dawn hours of March 12 ^th for a new adventure in Heaven with Jesus where he now has a new healthy heart and two working kidneys.   Leaving from the UFHealth Central Florida hospital where he had been a patient for a few days, George was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Louis and Isabel Goesch, as well as his siblings, Richard Goesch and Lois Dean.  At the Gates of Heaven, he was also greeted by his wife, Bernice, who died shortly after giving birth to their fourth child in 1956, and his son, Gary, who died an unexpectedly tragic death at age 29.

Born on March 28, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, George was blessed with an enviable athletic ability. He soared at high school and college athletics; lettering in multiple sports.  At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he excelled at quarterbacking their football team and scrambled as a feisty, unstoppable guard on the basketball team.

George's parents welcomed the widowed father and his four young children into their suburban Brown Deer, Wisconsin home shortly after his young wife's death.   His children: Gary (now deceased); James (Marsha) Goesch, Montrose, Colorado; Nancy (Brian) Manske, La Crosse, Wisconsin; and Susan (Tom) Lullo, Payson, Arizona, grew up in a loving, family atmosphere where they attended Brown Deer High School and then moved on to colleges of their choice.

After several years of college, George, following in his father's footsteps, worked as a commercial metal fabricator at Reinke & Schomann, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin until he retired in 1991.   He was most adept at ornamental commercial metalware.

George continued his athletic exploits throughout his entire life.  His beautiful family and playing baseball were the centers of his universe for many years.    In 1950, He was drafted as a catcher by the Philadelphia Phillies but it was an offer he refused as the salary was inadequate for raising a family.     However, George continued to shine as an outstanding catcher on several semi-pro baseball teams in the Milwaukee area until age 47.   His son, James, joined him on the diamond as a pitcher.  The father/son, pitcher/catcher duo was outstanding and exciting to watch.   George's amazing baseball feats, both catching and hitting, were often featured in the Milwaukee Journal sports section.  If you attend a Brewers game at Milwaukee County Stadium, you will see his name at the top of the list of inductees to the Wisconsin Old Time Ballplayers Association Hall of Fame.

After retiring from baseball, George began playing tennis.   It was during his early tennis playing years that he met and married his present wife, Audrey.   Together they played successfully in many leagues and tournaments throughout the United States including events that included players from Australia, Canada and France.  The twosome was once honored in "Who's Who in Mixed Doubles Tennis" after participating in the U.S. Huntsman Games in St. George, Utah.     George continued playing tennis in many leagues, including the United States Tennis Association league in The Villages, until he traded his tennis racket for golf clubs at age 88.

George and Audrey's blended family includes six children, fifteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. His family and Christian faith meant everything to him.   Throughout the years, when not out participating in sports, George was in his workshop at home creating hundreds of stained-glass projects for family and friends including lamp shades, semi-circular transoms, French door windows, wall hangings, sidelight windows and a multitude of beautiful birthday, wedding & Christmas gifts.

George is known for his ready smile and friendly quip in any situation.   Family members & friends enjoyed his annual "Happy Birthday" singing calls.   He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Village View Community Church , 8585 SE 147 ^th Place, Summerfield, FL  34491 on May 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.  Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449.  Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com .