in loving memory of clarence goetsch

By Jon Hoffman, Habitat Lakeside construction manager

As winter is upon us, and we count down the days to another Christmas holiday season, we at Habitat for Humanity Lakeside are reminded daily of the importance of a warm and stable place to call home.

A place to rest. A place to sleep, a place to gather family and friends to celebrate the blessings of the past year. A place to build hope and plans for the years to come.

Home is also a place where histories are written, stories are told, and memories are built.

The holidays are a time to celebrate but also look back at the people, events and activities that shaped our year, and plan for new challenges that may shape our next year, our futures, and our lives.

As I look back at 2025, I’m most grateful for the dedicated volunteers whose efforts built our mission in Sheboygan County from the ground up since 1993.

It has been a month since my friend Clarence Goetsch went on to Glory (on Nov. 15, 2025).

Clarence and his wife, Char, have both been involved with Habitat for Humanity Lakeside since its very beginning in 1993. Clarence served on the initial board of directors, founded Habitat Lakeside’s ReStore, and served as construction supervisor for several years.

Clarence loved volunteering at Habitat, and the results of his efforts are magnificent! Altogether, Clarence had a part in building 50 homes in Sheboygan County for Habitat partner families over 30 years.

So this year, as we build through the winter, with more houses to begin in the spring, I can’t help but thinking about how Clarence will continue to influence how we build simple, decent, affordable homes.
​
When we’re building a house with a family in Sheboygan County, the history being written, the stories being told, and the memories being built all begin on the jobsite, where Clarence loved to be.