Virginia Jean Goetz

Virginia Jean (Ruzek) Goetz was born April 10, 1939, in Iowa City, Iowa, to Francis and Vera Virginia (Kimberling) Ruzek. She entered the fullness of eternal life on April 14, 2026, at The Lodge at Cypress Cove in Fort Myers, Florida.

Jean had a wonderful childhood, growing up in West Branch, Iowa, where she attended West Branch Schools and later Iowa State University in Ames. She was very active in school functions and 4-H, and in later years served as a docent at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library in West Branch.

Jean was first married to Ronald G. Wingert in 1960, and to this union three children were born: Scott Michael Wingert of Camdenton, Missouri; Randall Darrin Wingert of Chicago, Illinois; and Sara Ann (Wingert) Ralston of Davenport, Iowa.

In 1970, Jean met the love of her life, Donald K. Goetz, in Tipton, Iowa. They were united in marriage on July 7, 1977, and shared 40 years together until his passing on July 25, 2017. Together, they made their life in Tipton and later divided their time in Fort Myers, Florida, where they enjoyed golfing at Kelly Greens Golf Club and Crown Colony Golf Club.

Jean was active in the A.W.T.T.T. Society for over 50 years and the Daughters of the American Revolution for 25 years. She taught piano for ten years and was the owner of four women’s clothing stores. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tipton and St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Fort Myers, where she volunteered at the church thrift store for many years.

Jean enjoyed golf, walking, yoga, reading, and shopping with many friends both in Iowa and Florida.

Jean is survived by her children, Scott (Dawn) Wingert, Randy (Dee) Wingert, and Sara (Jeff) Ralston; grandchildren, Cheyne Francis Wingert, Jack Lee Wingert, Luke Z. Wingert, Simon Ertzinger, Janna Ralston, Bryan Jones, Lacy Hermiston, Brad Goetz, Alicia Goetz, Ashlee Goetz, Jordan Goetz, Paige Goetz, Nick Mizaur, Austin Mizaur, and Miranda Mizaur; stepchildren, Pam Jones, Virginia “Ginny” Mizaur, Tracy Goetz, Mike (Denise) Goetz, and Randy (Julie) Goetz; her sister, Joan (Tom) Pribyl; 15 beloved great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; and her brothers, Wayne Ruzek and Robert Ruzek.

Jean will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery near Cedar Valley, Iowa. Funeral services and arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, Iowa. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.