Resident of San Jose

Jesus said, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as Ihave loved you, you also are to love one another. On January 13, 2025, Mel Goertz peacefully entered the embrace of the Lord of Love himself, after a lifetime of devotion to this commandment.

Mel loved his family, his church, his fellow educators, and his students. He had a special love for those who needed it most. As Principal at Foothill High School on the east side of San Jose, he loved his challenged kids and the young women in the School Age Mothers program he cherished. He was not one to love from afar: the calm fellow inthe suit and tie was aslikely to be sitting next to a troubled student in class or listening carefully to ayoung, new mother, ashewas to be found behind a desk.

Mel was born in Enid, Oklahoma on September 30, 1931 and grew up in a small Mennonite community. A sincere and thoughtful person, Mel believed his stint in the U.S. Navy (1950-54) was pivotal in forming his dedication to integrity and service, and after graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1958, he began his career as an educator at Andrew Hill High School in San Jose where he taught for 18 years. In 1976, he became Assistant Principal at Independence High School, and in 1990, he was named Principal at Foothill High.

He also loved Stone Church of Willow Glen, which he joined in 1985 and which he served with apassion. As a retiree, Mel volunteered in almost every role available, from stuffing envelopes to serving as an Elder, as Clerk of Session for eight of his 23 years on Session, as amember of the Budget and Finance Committee, and even as a preacher on a few Sundays. To all these positions he brought intelligence and persistence, but to some lucky groups, he also brought baked goodies which he created himself.

If that wasn’t enough, he supported many local non-profits that work with youth and in the arts, and seemed to always be occupied with a project that would benefit someone in need.

Mel spent agreat amount of his time finding ways to love one another, but undeniably, his deepest love was for his family. Mel was predeceased by his wife Minnie Seeberger Harz Goertz, whom he married in 1956.

He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Janice Brandt Martinez Goertz, with whom he shared passions for education, music, and serving Stone Church. He is also survived by his adored children, daughters Marilyn Goldsmith and Donna Goertz and stepson Paul Martinez, and by six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 pm on February 22, 2025, at Stone Church, 1937 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you continue Mel’s legacy of generosity by contributing to a local performing arts organization -San Jose Symphonic Choir, Opera San Jose, Vivace Youth Chorus - or to Stone Church, and of course, by striving to love one another.