Donald C. Goertz

Donald C. Goertz passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on January 3, 2017. He was born October 17, 1939, on a cotton farm in Red Rock, Texas, to Paul and Margaret (Goertz) Goertz, both descendants of German immigrant pioneers in Central Texas. He is survived by his beloved wife Donna Bryant Goertz, daughters Alethea Goertz Joosten and Alexis Goertz Aldridge (Christopher), both born to his late wife Lorraine Kyle Stryjak; stepchildren Angela Pesoli Peterman (David), Monica Pesoli (Mark Taylor), Peter Pesoli (Daliah Maurer), Michael Pesoli (Jill), Christina Pesoli (Clint Harbour); siblings Paul Goertz, Ralph Goertz, and Patty Oetken; seventeen grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and many devoted nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Imelda Goertz and Edith Ayers. Don was a man with a big heart who delighted in the company of his large family and many friends around the world.

Don was educated at St. John's Seminary in San Antonio, Texas, the Freie Universität Berlin, and the University of Texas at Austin, from which he received his PhD in Classics in 1972. He held a variety of academic positions at Randolph-Macon College, Hollins College, and Wayne State University. At Ball State University in Indiana, he received full professorship and served as department head. He returned to Austin as a Dean at St. Edwards University. Don was a member of the American Philological Association and other professional and honorary societies. He authored many papers and books, including a translation from the German of a book on the history of German immigration to Central Texas.

In his early years as a young professor, Dr. Goertz was described as a man of honor, quality, and humility, but especially a man of humanity. He was a teacher, mentor, and friend to many. His students respected and loved him, whether they pursued degrees in Classics or sought only to incorporate a love of classical languages and history into their lives.

It has been said of Don, "He was a man of the Ages." He had such a profound impact on so many both inside and outside the classroom, both personally, and professionally. He was known not only for his unique intellect but also for his warmth and personal wisdom, which he gave so freely.

Don served for 30 years as Executive Director of Austin Montessori School. In 1993 he established one of the nation's first and most-respected Montessori programs for adolescents, including the widely emulated Journey to Ancient Rome. During his long career as an educator and school administrator, Don touched the lives of countless young people and their families. He inspired them by both word and deed to the same love of literature, history, art, language, and travel that informed his own life.

During his retirement years, Don and Donna lived part time in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where they befriended many locals and expats, artists and artisans, scholars and academics. They enjoyed the Mexican culture and Spanish language in the company of these new friends, with whom they walked the cobbled streets, enjoyed dinner parties, and watched parades and processions, all the while staying in touch with the School in Austin.

Don will be long remembered for the open-hearted, intelligent, refined, generous, and principled person he was. Despite his notable achievements, Don offered everyone he met the same warm handshake and friendly smile. He was always ready with a good story or joke and a listening ear.

Don was lovingly cared for at home during his last two months by family and friends with the constant, dedicated, skillful, and kind assistance of Hospice Austin, especially that of Debbie Cooper. The family is deeply grateful to Sherrie Motley and Brandon Aguirre of Nurses Unlimited for their personal and compassionate service, above and beyond their duties. We appreciate Dr. David Pohl for his constancy and able support of Don through the past two years.

Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 2620 South Congress Ave, followed by visitation.

A funeral service will be held at St. Ignatius, Martyr, Catholic Church, 126 W Oltorf Street in Austin on Monday, January 9, at 1:30 p.m., with a burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Rockne, Texas.

Memorial gifts in remembrance of Don Goertz may be made to Austin Montessori School, 5006 Sunset Trail, Austin, TX 78745.