Leslie Wayne Goetsch lived a life full of joy and laughter. He was born July 24, 1950 in Sioux Falls, SD to William and Rosella Goetsch. Growing up in Mitchell, SD, Les participated in Boy Scouts, wrestling, and Sunday School. After graduating from Mitchell H.S. in '68., he joined the Air Force serving in Germany and Spain for 4 years. Upon returning to Mitchell, he met his true love Rachel Lynn Johnson who showed him the path to Jesus. Les graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University in '79 with an associate degree in nursing. He worked for the Veterans Hospital for 22 years as a Registered Nurse. Les has been in the ministry since '86, becoming an ordained minister in '96 with UPCI. He started a home fellowship group in Madison, SD and helped reopen the church in Mitchell. In '79 moving to Sioux Falls, SD, where he attended the Word of Life Pentecostal Church, ministered to the youth group, taught home Bible Studies and was instrumental in keeping the prison ministries thriving. In 1993, Reverend L.W. Goetsch became pastor of the United Pentecostal Church of Friendship, AR and in 1997 started the Pentecostal Church of Hot Springs, S.D. He was a director for the SD District Sunday School for 11 years and was part of the SD District Board. Les was a vital part of the Family Policy Counsel of SD. He worked with Christians on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for 8 years. He is survived by his wife, Rachel; children, Shad & Jason (Ivy) of Denver, CO; Jerusha (Jack) Gulzow of Hot Springs, SD; sister, Cindy (Pat) Knickrehm of Dayton, OH; brother, Bill (Rhonda) Goetsch of Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death were his parents. He loved to teach, preach, write and fish. Great memories were made with family and friends who shared his life. His presence will be greatly missed.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2009 at the United Churches in Hot Springs. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the United Churches in Hot Springs with Pastor Loy Bowen officiating. Interment will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2009 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.