Earl Dennis Goetz , 85, Lakes Wales, FL, formerly of Minot, ND, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025, at AdventHealth Lake Wales.

Earl was born on April 23, 1939, in Algona, Iowa to Philip and Lorrine (Garman) Goetz.  He graduated from Wesley (IA) High School in 1957.  He joined Hormel Foods in Austin, MN in 1958, which launched a decades-long career in sales.  He married Carol Ann Kime on Sept. 10, 1960 in Austin, MN.  To this union were born Greg, Troy, Susan and Jeffrey.

In 1968, Hormel sent Earl to Bismarck, ND.  There, he enjoyed traveling and selling Hormel products to grocery stores from Valley City, ND to Billings, MT and from the Canadian Border down to Pierre, SD.

In 1973, Earl joined the sales team at KMOT-TV in Minot.  He was the first salesperson at KMOT to surpass $1 million in annual sales and eventually became sales manager.  He left KMOT in 1986 for KMCY-TV.  Later, he joined the sales staff at Watne Realty in Minot.  He retired in 2001.

In 2015, Carol and Earl relocated to Saddlebag Lake Resort in Lake Wales, FL.  After 57 years of marriage, Carol passed away in 2017.

Family was important to Earl.  He loved visiting his children and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving Earl are his children:  Greg (Lori) of Oxford, NC; Troy (Cathy) of Woodbury, MN; Susan Matzeder of Wichita, KS; and Jeffrey of Greenville, SC; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Sister Mary Janet Goetz of Dubuque, IA; Mary Ann Meister of Algona, IA; Mark (Mary) Goetz of Mesa, AZ; Jean (Jeff) Bergo of Mason City, IA; sister-in-law Lana (Wes) Johnson, Austin, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife Carol; parents Philip and Lorrine Goetz; his in-laws, Lester and Vera Kime; brother-in-law Eugene Meister; nephew and godson Bradley Meister; grandson Logan Matzeder; sister-in-law Sharon Eaker; and brother-in-law Verlin Eaker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Austin, MN.  Inurnment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.