Eric Goelzer
Middleton: Eric Goelzer, age 50, died on July 12, 2017 after a long battle with brain cancer.
Eric was born in Janesville, Wisconsin on January 24, 1967 to John and Karen Goelzer. Growing up, he played bass drum for the Janesville Fife and Drum Corps for many years, and later helped form the River Valley Colonials, where he played snare drum. His involvement in the Corps made him friends for life and developed his interest in the history of the American Revolution. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1989 and went on to work as a salesman until 2000, when his passion for learning lead him back to obtain his education degree. He also received a Master’s degree in education from Edgewood College in 2012.
After teaching third grade at Sandburg Elementary School for a year, Eric landed at Hamilton Middle School and taught social studies there for 12 years. He was famous among students and staff as an engaging, creative and gifted teacher. In 2007, he began organizing annual trips to lead over 100 students to Washington, D.C.
Those who knew Eric would always describe him as enduringly positive and cheerful, and he was able to find humor in every corner of life. His light will be especially missed by his family and friends, but also by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Eric is preceded in death by his mother, father and wife Marilyn Goelzer (Bangenhimer). He is survived by his wife Cathy Goelzer of Middleton, Wis., two sons John and Matthew Goelzer, three stepchildren Emma, Auden and Josiah Whitford, brother Curt (Felicia) Goelzer of Monroe, Mich., and two nieces Alsacia and Kazia Goelzer.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on July 29 – more details to come. In lieu of flowers, lasting memorials may be made to defeatgbm.org, a part of the National Brain Tumor Society that focuses specifically on studying and defeating tumors like Eric’s. Please share a memory.
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