"I want to offer my condolences to Dan's family and friends. He was one of the most optimistic and caring individuals I have had the honor to meet. This was not just at Dell, but anywhere. I am comforted that Dan is in Heaven with the Lord. "
In loving memory of
Daniel Eugene Goertz
June 25, 1961 - August 31, 2021
Daniel Eugene Goertz died at the age of 60 on Tuesday, August 31st, 2021 at 11:00 pm in Austin, TX, where he was also born on June 25th, 1961.
Dan graduated from Crockett High School and continued his education at the University of Texas at Austin. During these years of high school and college is where he met his lifelong friends, affectionately referred to as "The Gang". Dan spent the last 26 years of his professional career with Dell Technologies, where he gained the respect and love of his closest colleagues.
Above all else, Dan was most passionate about his family and faith, both of which guided him in all aspects of life. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and also served as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered his time in the adoration chapel at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda, TX.
Dan looked most forward to his Sunday-Monday PK & Popsy days, where he would spend countless hours letting Palmer press all the buttons in his truck, pushing her down the hill on her red car, preparing for her "fun ball" debut, and letting her rummage through everything in the garage. He also planned most of his days around the Astros schedule, and staying current on all the shows he watched with Gayla, Kyle, Skylar, and Lacy. He loved listening to country music with Kyle and going dancing with his family and friends. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and friends, whether it was just visiting and laughing, drinking Miller Lite, or playing some of his favorite games (Quixx, Yahtzee, Dueces, Dominoes, Cornhole).
Dan is preceded in death by his father, James Goertz. Dan is survived by his wife of 33 years, Gayla Goertz; their children, Kyle Goertz, Lacy Newman, Skylar Chaney, and Matt Goertz; his beloved son-in-laws, Alex Newman and Dustin Chaney; and his three precious grandchildren, Palmer, James, and Gavin. He also leaves behind his mother Ruth Goertz; his brothers Stephen and Warren Goertz and their families, and his sister Lori Goertz.
Dan was truly one of a kind and a beloved Popsy, father, husband, son, brother, friend, and member of "The Gang". We feel great comfort in knowing Dan is reunited with his dad in Heaven and they are smiling down on us as they play dominoes, pick guitars, and drink beer together.
Visitation will be 5:00PM to 7:30PM Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Harrell Funeral Home, 4435 Frontier Trail, Austin, TX. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 7:30PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00AM Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church, Buda, TX. Burial will follow at St. Mary's of the Assumption Cemetery, Rosanky, TX.
Reception to immediately follow the burial at Mercury Hall: 615 Cardinal Lane, Austin, TX 78704
Dan was also a dedicated advocate and donor for a non-profit organization that Gayla started 7 years ago rescuing "at risk" animals. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Dan's memory to Holly's Hope Rescue at www.hollyshoperescue.com/donate.
For those of you that have been unable to follow Dan's medical journey from kicking cancer's ass to losing his battle with Covid, feel free to visit the link below.
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/danielgoertz
Tributes
"So many wonderful memories on the Goertz family trips when I would tag along with Lacy. Dan and Gayla always took great care of us "kids" and made sure we had a blast! Dan will surely be missed. He was such a loving and fun person to be around. Love you all and praying for comfort. "
"Wishing strength and condolences to family and friends. We are all blessed by knowing such a positive and good natured person. "
"Dan, The people who had the great honor of knowing you will forever be changed; I know I am. While my heart is broken for all of your family and friends who will miss you everyday, I will find comfort knowing you are in heaven with Jesus and free from pain. We had so many good times inside and outside of Dell. I will miss your positive and encouraging emails, fun lunches, football talks, funny stories about another rescue animal, proud smiles of all your children's accomplishments and serious conversations about faith and family. Thank you for always bending your ear and for showing me what true faith in Christ Jesus really means. I will miss you dear friend. Heather"
"I went to Catholic school for 7 years with Daniel. I?ll always remember him as a kind & kindred spirit, also very funny at times! Rest in peace, Dan. ??"
"The world has lost one of its good guys. One of my fond memories of Dan was when, as a young teenager, he saved up and bought himself a motor dirt bike. This was certainly a badge of accomplishment for him; one for which he deserved to be proud; and one which raised him up a couple more rungs on the ladder of ?cool.? However, Dan did not keep the bike for his own enjoyment. I remember the occasion, and possibly others, when he let his siblings and friends take turns riding his prize. We all had the opportunity to take the bike for a spin around the back yard many times. And a great time was had by all. Dan shared the fruits of his labor and good fortune with us, which, looking back, was very generous of him. "
"There was no one like Dan. He was my hero from kindergarten, if not before, until the day he died. He and I shared so much and I am so grateful to have those memories. He came from a family of love and he knew how to love and give himself to god, family and friends. I will never forget him, he will always be in my thoughts. We never said goodbye with out saying I love you to each other. Well Dan I love you with all my heart. I will miss you, thanks for always being that special "brother" to me. "
"Whereas I had never met Dan, it was my privilege to be a coworker of his sister Lori! We found a lot in common in more recent years including our nephews both named James Matthew! Dan is well now and I pray for peace & comfort for the family! "