Mark R. Goedtel

Mark R. Goedtel, DVM, (“Doc”), of Lena, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on Sept. 16, 2021. Mark was born to the late Frederick and Catherine “Kay” (Cody) Goedtel in Kearny, New Jersey, on Jan. 24, 1958, and spent the majority of his youth with his parents and five siblings in Troy, Michigan. He graduated from Bishop Foley High School in 1976 and pursued his undergraduate and large animal veterinary education at Michigan State University. Mark married his high school sweetheart, Theresa, on Aug. 26, 1983. They were married for 38 years. Soon after the wedding, Mark began his veterinary career in Mineral Point before moving to Lena in 1986 where he found an opportunity to own a large animal veterinary practice. He was able to run Dair-Ray Veterinary Service for 35 years up to his passing. Even after experiencing an accident that led to a life-changing spinal cord injury in 1992, he continued to live a life fully dedicated to his family, local farmers and his practice. Mark loved spending time with his children and grandchildren more than anything. He enjoyed the outdoors, audiobooks, listening to music, singing, and had a passion for continuing his education and staying connected to the community. Mark was incredibly loved by his wife and family, staff, caregivers and every person who crossed his path. He is best described by those closest to him as loving, strong, resilient, kind-hearted and funny. Mark is survived beloved by his wife, Theresa; his siblings Fred (Betty) Goedtel, Marie “Sis” Goedtel, Jeff (Deanne) Goedtel, Gary (Teri) Goedtel, and Kathy (Jeff) Price; his daughters Katie (Ryan) Bennett, LCSW, and Stacee Goedtel DO; and his grandchildren Calvin, Sawyer and Reese. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick James Goedtel, former special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Catherine Elizabeth Goedtel (Cody). To honor Mark’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no formal visitation or funeral service. The family will hold a private Celebration of Life in October. In lieu of flowers, Mark’s family asks that any memorial contributions be made to a fund that will be announced in the future to honor Mark in the local community. Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home-Lena is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rhodescharapata.com.