Michael Blaine Goetz

Michael Blaine Goetz (USAF, Retired)

Michael Blaine Goetz, 87, formerly of Beavercreek and Centerville, passed away at Bethany Nursing Home on Saturday, September 7, 2024.

Possessing a love of flying since childhood, he began flying lessons at a young age, and obtained a pilot’s license at the age of 16. He built two airplanes and flew them for many years. He also was an FAA accredited flight instructor, and enjoyed teaching flying as a hobby. He was very proud of his commercial flying license! In his 60’s, he stopped flying, and became a master builder of radio-controlled airplanes. He organized the first of many radio control airshows at the National Museum of the U. S. Airforce. He served as a member of the Museum’s Board of Managers, and volunteered regularly at the Museum conducting tours.

He earned a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the St. Louis University, MA from George Washington University, and is a graduate of the U. S. Airforce War College.

In the Air Force, he served as a launch control officer for the Atlas ICBM. His follow-up assignment was at Vandenburg AFB where the Air Force was learning to how to integrate the new missile into the global strike capability of Strategic Air Command (SAC). He was with SAC during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After 24 years of service, Mike retired from the Air Force, and became Director of Business Development for Beechcraft Aviation/Raytheon. In addition, he was member of the Wright State University School of Business Board of Directors. He was a lifelong Catholic and a defender of the right to life.

Mike is survived by his wife, Peggy Bell Goetz; daughter Susan Bricher (Bill); sons Brian and David (Rachel); grandchildren Becca Goetz, Zachary Goetz (Megan) and Haley McCaffrey (Danny); great-grandchildren Juliana, Michael, and Jameson.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Goll Goetz; son Michael (Phyllis); and parents Charles and Leone Firkus Goetz.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 18, 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Road, Kettering. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Incarnation, 55 Williamsburg Lane, Centerville on Thursday, at 1:00 pm. Burial with military honors to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elizabeth New Life Center, 2201 North Main Street, Dayton, OH 45405.