We Remember

GOERTZEN, Larry Stephen

August 2, 1956 — December 8, 2022

On December 8, 2022, Larry Goertzen was brought home to heaven, in the presence of his kiddos, to the song of the beautiful hymn, “Nothing but the Blood.”  As Larry was battling prostate cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular dementia, it made this particular verse of the song very fitting:

 

“Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”

Larry left this earth and was united with the Lord, he was also reunited with his wife of 36 years, Patricia Goertzen, his mother Eva Goertzen and his father-in-law Norman Krumbhols.  Those still awaiting the day to be reunited in heaven are his three daughters: Melissa (Jasper) Berg, Alicia Goertzen, and Ariana Goertzen as well as his father Henry Goertzen.  Larry is also survived by his brother, Dwayne (Marlena) Goertzen and his sister, Sylvia (Randy) Carter and their families. Larry will be deeply missed by his mother-in-law Elfrieda Krumbhols, his three brothers-in-laws Paul (Jodi), Daryl (Suzanne) and David (Trina) Krumbhols and their families as well as all Larry’s chosen family.

Larry was born in Spirit River, Alberta.  In his youth Larry enjoyed hockey and was a very accomplished pianist.  Growing up as a pastor’s kid on the prairies, through Prairie Bible College and Trinity Western University, some might mistake Larry as being generally serious and reserved. However, that fun, whimsical, and sometimes mischievous side to Larry made for some fun stories and laughs around the table.  One story that got Larry and all his kiddos laughing was a story about eating McDonalds before performing at a church as the pianist and vomiting all over a table.

Larry and Patricia met at Trinity Western University.  After receiving his bachelor’s degree in business, Larry and Patricia were married in Kelowna on November 12, 1983. To follow came three daughters, Melissa (1989), Alicia (1992) and Ariana (1994).  His girls were his greatest delight on earth. His fatherly love and pride will be greatly missed.

For Christmas of 2021, knowing his health was starting to fail him, Larry wrote this note to his daughters reflecting on his joy in being a father:

“A little bundle lies on my lap;
Bright blue eyes search my face;
Tiny fingers clutch one of mine;
Hi beautiful; Welcome to the world;
I am your Daddy.”

After working in Calgary in the oil industry, Larry and Patricia co-owned Okanagan Scriptural Supplies with Norm and Elfrieda Krumbhols. After that Larry used his business, pastoral and teaching gifts working and volunteering at his local church and then for almost a decade at Teen Challenge in Glenmore. Outside of his family, Larry was most fulfilled when he was involved with others as their lives were being transformed through the power of Jesus Christ. He enjoyed when he could serve in an environment where the Holy Spirit was welcome and sound Biblical doctrine was esteemed.

Having an analytical mind and being good at academia, Larry successfully homeschooled all three of his daughters from primary school through graduation.  He also taught topics through Set Free, within the Teen Challenge Program, computer courses and Bible courses.  He had a knack for teaching and the girls reflect on his ability to sit and teach himself virtually any topic from their textbook and then relay it back to them in ways they could understand.

Although a man of few words, the words Larry said were very well thought out, kind and encouraging.  Some of Larry’s other delights on this earth were piano, chess, photography, his garden, learning, and skiing.

Larry also highly valued scripture memorization and Biblical study.  He had entire books of the Bible memorized and many Psalms.  As a practice growing up in the Goertzen household, they would memorize verses together.  The girls recall memorizing the entire Christmas story in the book of Matthew, Psalm 23 and many more.  Even as his mind was betraying him, due to Parkinson’s and vascular dementia, he constantly was trying to remember his scripture memorization in the hospital.  One of the constant verses he was reflecting on or having family and friends read him for comfort was Psalm 23.

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Larry walked through the valley for many years in his illnesses and we are overjoyed that he now dwells in the House of the Lord in total freedom and health, but we are greatly grieved for us here who miss him dearly.

We would like to thank all those who supported us during these difficult times.  Larry has some very precious friends and family who have been by his side as his body deteriorated.  In particular, we would like to extend special thanks to Murray Elliot for his friendship, displayed in such consistent practical ways, week after week, these past months.

A private Celebration of Life will be held for Larry on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PST).  Attendance will be by invitation only.  There will be a livestream option available at the time of the service (see below), for anyone to participate and join us in spirit, a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

Larry believed in supporting organizations and Ministries that furthered the Gospel and bring healing and wholeness.  Memorial donations can be made to two of his most cherished ministries, Back to the Bible Canada,  (scripture was one of Larry’s greatest passions), and International Justice Mission Canada (IJM).

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Back to the Bible Canada, or, International Justice Mission Canada (IJM) Link: www.backtothebible.ca, www.ijm.ca

 


 


Condolences

  • Shenaya Sweetman says:

    You are in my prayers Melissa. Big hugs to you ❤️
    Shenaya

  • Jesse Wightman says:

    As a graduate, I met Larry when he joined the Glenmore Centre. I remember getting mature words of wisdom from Larry. Here he meets with team members, (staff). I am inspired by how far his obedience to God reached, and how many lives he’s influenced. Micah 6:8

    • Wendy Andreesen says:

      Thank you for allowing us to be part of Larrys Celebrations of Life via video. What a beautiful and loving Father you have. Though I didn’t know Larry personally, I knew your Mom from new life church. Hold your memories of your patents close, as they loved you dearly. They as you know are together, and you will one day be reunited. God Bless you girls. Love Wendy and BRittney Andreesen.

  • Naomi and Robert Bothe says:

    Dear Melissa, Alicia and Ariana
    We are so very sorry to hear that your father has passed and we know you will miss him a great deal. We will always remember Larry as a kind, gentle man, and someone who loved his wife, family and God a great deal. We can just imagine Patricia waiting for him with a big beautiful smile, and wide open arms for a loving embrace.
    We send to you our deepest condolences and pray that God will cover each one of you in His warm embrace and may He fill your hearts and minds with peace and comfort during these difficult days. May you have many fond memories of your dad come to mind in the weeks ahead.

    Naomi and Robert Bothe

    • Bea says:

      Dear Melissa, Alicia and Ariana,
      I will never forget your dad Larry and the kindness he showed to everyone. He was a brilliant man who loved God and his family. He ran his race on earth extremely well. I pray for Gods comforting arms around you all as you feel that empty space. Larry is now with his saviour and with the love of his life Patricia.

  • Jim Tearoe says:

    Larry ( and often his family ) and I often worked together at Crystal Mountain doing ski-patrol. It was always a good time working with him and getting to know his family better. I am available to support his family members in any way and will provide pictures of Larry and his family in the Spring. May our Father’s love and care guide, direct and protect each of you going forward in life to enrich, help and bless others.

  • Matthew Baker says:

    Dear Melissa and Family I am so sorry to hear that Larry your dad passed away may he rest in peace in heaven with Jesus Christ. for God has not given us a spirit of fear but of hope and life and God will never leave us or forsake us God is always with us and God loves you Girls and May God be with you Melissa and your Sisters as you Girls Grieve the loss of your Dad Larry he was a great man of The lord Jesus Christ RIP Larry Goertzen with Jesus Christ Sincerely Matthew Baker.

  • Kenneth Wiebe says:

    Dear Uncle Henry, cousins Dwayne and Sylvia and Larry’s girls. As one of the hundreds of cousins that Larry had, it was awesome to see and hear the Life story of Larry. I am deeply sorry for your families loss. My memory of Larry was always how he could play the piano. He lived his music when he played. It was awesome to watch. May God look over you all in your grieving.
    Ken Wiebe

  • John and Joyce Brinkerhoff says:

    One of my favorite Bible teachers, and just a lovely guy, we have lost, but heaven has gained, a true prince! Our love Melissa, Ariana, Alicia

  • Peter and Janice Schlief says:

    Dear Melissa, Alicia, Ariana and family. Our deepest sympathies go out to you. May God give you His comfort and peace in this time. We pray that in the midst of your sorrow you find comfort in all the joyful memories shared. God bless you.
    Peter and Janice Schlief

  • Colleen ( Reimer) Anthony says:

    Hi Melissa and Elfreida, I wanted to be with you in spirit to share in your celebrations of your dad’s life Melissa and to express my care and condolences to all of your family. You had a lovely service to honor a ‘life well lived.’ May God’s peace, joy and comfort continue to be with each of you. Love Colleen.

  • Jordan says:

    I love you dearly Larry & am so thankful for your time in my life. I hope to run the race half as well as you did & will cherish our times of prayer. You taught me how to apply things to my life & allowed me the opportunity to truly meet a Jesus I thought I knew. You will never be forgotten & I pray your family may have peace in this difficult time. Thank you for gracefully challenging me into a deeper understanding of the blessing it is to be a son of the king.

  • Gloria Teulon says:

    To Dear Henry, Larry’s daughters, Melissa, Alicia, Ariana, and Sylvia, Dwayne and families: Sending love, prayers and heartfelt condolences . We were so very sorry to hear about Larry. We pray you will all feel Gods love and peace comforting you as you journey through this time of grief. With Love from Peter Dyck and Gloria Teulon (Dyck)

  • Holly (Tookey) Dahl says:

    Hi Family of Larry. It is with great sadness that I read Larry’s Obituary. I grew up with Larry in Whitecourt and went to Young Peoples with him there. Our families went to bible camp together at Ross Haven and attended many youth retreats together. Larry always had the gift for playing the piano and singing. His faith was inspiring and he was a great friend. I was just reminiscing and thought to check out a few friends from back then and found his obituary. My heart goes out to all of you and may God bless all of you as I know he really blessed Larry. I moved to Kelowna 8 years ago when I lost my husband of 40 years, so I understand your loss and wish I had the chance to see Larry again. We used to discuss faith and the differences in our churches. We accepted each other and our differences. I was raised Lutheran and he went to the Free Church. I believe my faith was strengthened by my interactions and shared faith through the young Peoples we both attended at the Free Church. God Bless all of you and if you ever want to reminisce and get together for coffee, please feel free to contact me in Kelowna. 780-887-5082

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