Rev. Dr. Gordon K. Goltz, Jr. (77 years), lost his courageous battle with cancer on July 6th, 2013. His wife and caregiver Melody, with whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage, was at his side. Born and raised in Big Rapids, MI he was known to many as "Pete". He was a humble man of strong character, a 3rd generation descendant of Prussian immigrants to Big Rapids, who decided at a young age to enter the ministry after witnessing the power of faith following his father's stroke. He was athletic and active in sports, lettering in basketball and football at Big Rapids HS. After graduating in the last class of Concordia Jr. College (Ft. Wayne, IN), he continued at Concordia Sr. College (Ft. Wayne, IN) and finished his graduate studies at Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, MO), where he met his future wife. Through his education he earned B.A. in Ancient History (Hebrew, minor), B. Div. in Theology, Masters of Sacred Theology (S.T.M) and D. Theo in Hebrew and Greek (ABD). Ordained in 1963, Pastor Goltz served the communities and parishes of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pinole, CA; Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MI; Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Taylor, MI; and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MI. As a lifelong learner and teacher, Pastor Goltz taught "Biblical Archeology" at UC Berkeley in the mid-1960s, taught numerous biblical study courses, and after retiring participated for 8 years in a biblical exegesis group (where he was known for his Greek and Hebrew expertise). As a minister and father he had the pleasure of officiating both of his children's weddings. In his retirement he was also busy filling in for area Pastors where he provided much needed support to those requiring personal time off or desired vacations. Pete enjoyed singing in church and community choirs with his wife, camping with his family, and was an avid fisherman throughout his life, sharing his love of nature and God's creations. Through his ministry he became a true Fisher of Men. Upon solid rock he made his church. Pete is preceded in death by his father Gordon K Goltz, Sr (1946), his mother Louise A (Widlitzki) Goltz (1988), his brother John W "Bill" Goltz (1984), and his sister Donna Mae (Goltz) Clark (1968). He is survived by his wife Melody A (Anderson) Goltz of Grand Rapids, MI; son Jason S Goltz, daughter-in-law Marcie (Donovan) Julian-Goltz, and step granddaughter Desiree R Julian of Austin, TX; daughter Heather L (Goltz) Stagman and grandson Timothy C. Stagman, II of Allen Park, MI. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 on Monday, July 8, 2013 at Reyers Funeral Home; 2815 Fuller AVE NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Immanuel Lutheran Church (2 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503), Pastor Craig Bickel officiating. Interment will be at a private family ceremony at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids, MI. Memorials to Concordia Seminary Scholarship Fund (St. Louis, MO), in lieu of flowers.