Arnold Funeral Home

Clare, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord at 2:22 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018 in the comfort of his home with loving family by his side.He blessed this Earth when he was born in Highland Park, MI on February 24, 1940 a son of the late Arnold Meldrum Goetze and Verna Rosella Rueger Goetze.On August 26, 1961 he married Mary Mildred “Millie” Anderson who will dearly miss her loving husband, best friend and loyal confidante after 56 years of marriage.His faithful, devoted spirit will be carried on by his three children: Pauline Katharine Sweyko and husband, Stephen, of Fort Scott, KS, Karen Lynne Bohren and husband, Steven, of Big Rapids, MI, and Kirsten Erika Lichtner of Pasadena, MD; six grandchildren who will dearly miss their granddad: Lena Sweyko-Kuhlman of Lawrence, KS; Benjamin Sweyko of Fort Scott, KS, Rebekah Sweyko of Fort Scott, KS, Geoffrey Bohren of Portage, MI, Andrew Bohren of The Colony, TX, and Alexandra Lichtner of Pasadena, MD; two siblings: Barbara Jean Goetze of Delavan WI, and Duane Arthur Goetze and wife, Christine, of Lancaster, OH; four nieces and two nephews; and his beloved border collie, Mitzi, who was always by his side.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one infant son.Gary enjoyed a successful career as a savvy business owner in the wholesale auto parts industry for over 23 years. He and Millie owned Eight Bells Farm and provided produce and eggs to various farmers markets and Garden Market in Philippi. He was a charter member of the Tygart’s Valley Grower’s Association.He had extensive knowledge of WV Civil War history and enjoyed participating in Civil War Reenactments, portraying Senator John Carlisle, the first senator of Restored Virginia. As a member of the Blue and Gold Choir, he sang bass in numerous community and church choirs over the years.He also expressed his creativity through crafting wood furniture, birdhouses and looms, weaving as a member of the Jackson’s Mill Fiber Arts Guild, and dancing with the Centennial Squares... (WV News)