Gerold "Gerry" Gene Goertzen

Gerold “Gerry” Gene Goertzen, age 79, passed away August 27, 2026. He was born in Windom, Minnesota on July 3, 1947 to the late Clarence and Agnes (Fast) Goertzen.

Gerry received his BS in mechanical engineering and worked at various companies, including Farmhand, Roper, MTD, and Invacare. He was an innovative engineer, earning 36 patents during his career. Known as a “MacGyver,” he was able to fix or design any mechanical device he thought of, and then to teach everyone around him about it. In retirement, he became an avid writer of his autobiography, always jotting down notes about memories that occurred to him.

He loved all types of vehicles, including tractors, vintage Triumph cars, and his Pterodactyl ultralight, but his special passion was motorcycles. He raced motorcross, competed in trials riding, and rode dirt and street bikes, both solo and with friends, for over sixty years.

Gerry was extremely outgoing and made friends everywhere that he went. He loved connecting with people, telling them his stories, and listening carefully to learn more about them.

Gerry is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Bernice R. (Pankratz) Goertzen; his daughter Renee Michelle Goertzen; son Shawn Goertzen (Stacey); grandchildren Jax and Bryce; siblings Gloria Podolny (Michael), Gordon Goertzen (Linda), Galvin Goertzen (Delia), Gwen Vinopal (Todd), Glenda Parkhurst (Greg); numerous nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of collected friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law Andrew Pearson.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 6, 2026 from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, OH 44256. This will immediately be followed by a celebration of his life at 5:00 pm and a reception at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.