GREAT BEND – Irving J. Gotsche, 90, passed away July 2, 2019, at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend. He was born Aug. 23, 1928, at Racine, Wis., to Irving and Ethel (Davis) Gotsche. Irv married Norma Jeanne Horsley Nov. 27, 1954, at Salina.
Coming to Great Bend in 1965, Irv previously lived in Racine, Salina, Ellinwood and Wakeeney. Graduating from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville, Irv was employed as a petroleum engineer for Amoco from 1956-1958, Imperial Oil from 1958-1965, and NCRA from 1965 until he retired on Oct. 1, 1988, as drilling superintendent. He was a member of the First Christian Church, VFW Post 3111, KIOGA, API, AME and Golden Belt Community Concert. He served his community as Panther Booster Club past president, Chamber Ambassador, Lake Barton board member, Petroleum Club board member, United Way oilfield chairman, Barton County Historical Society board member, past commander of American Legion Argonne Post 180, CKMC volunteer, youth sports coach, Family Crisis Center past board president and Great Bend Public Library board chairman. He also enjoyed listening to the children of USD 428 read. Irv served in the U.S. Air Force as a B-29 pilot during the Korean War, earning the rank of 1st Lt.
Survivors include, wife, Jeanne Gotsche of the home; three sons, Kurt Gotsche of Wichita, Steve Gotsche and wife Linda of Manhattan, and Eric Gotsche and wife Carol of Great Bend; one daughter, Pam Gabel of Kansas City, Mo.; five grandchildren, Ali Gabel, Meghan Gabel, Brad Gabel, Adam Gotsche and wife Kelsey, and Ryan Gotsche; and one great granddaughter, Collins Gotsche. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen Gill; and a son-in-law, Chip Gabel.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2019, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2019 at First Christian Church with Pastor Sue Bishop presiding. Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. A private family inurnment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery North at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Barton County Historical Society or Great Bend Public Library, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net
Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home
1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530
