Russell George Goetz, 80

Russ was born in Chicago but lived with his parents and two older brothers on a farm in Belvedere, Ill. Although a farm boy at heart throughout his life, Russ developed his naturally gifted mechanical abilities. He started his early career as a tool and die maker at a shop in Rockford, Ill. In 1967, as a young man, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Vietnam War with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. Following his honorable discharge, he attended California State University, Los Angeles, to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, impressing all his professors throughout his studies. During his studies and for the next 40+ years, Russ worked as an Aerospace Engineer for Mason Electric, which was later acquired by Esterline Technologies, an aerospace corporation based in Southern California. Russ was instrumental in working on the F-15, F/A-18, AV-8, Apache helicopter, DC-3, submarine launch missile controllers, to name a few. He was promoted within the company throughout his tenure and concluded his long career as VP of Manufacturing for the corporation. 

Russ and Eva moved to Hayden, Idaho, in 2021 and enjoyed their new life, surrounded by many dear friends and with proximity to their nephew, Trevor, and his wife, Lindsay. 

Russ and Eva’s only son precedes him in death. He is survived by Eva; his older brother, Richard in Mich.; nephews: Robert, Ronald, Jonathan and Joshua; and numerous other loving extended family members in Illinois and Indiana; as well as in California; and Trevor and Lindsay in Sandpoint.

A viewing will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2025, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel (373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID 83835). A funeral service will follow the viewing at 2 p.m. He and Eva will be laid to rest in the family plot in Illinois at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russell’s name to American Legion — Steven H. Nipp Post 143 in Post Falls by contacting Commander Shaw at 208-773-9054. And, or to the Wounded Warrior Project support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Please visit Russ’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.