Harlan hits 100

Living to 100 might seem like an incredible feat to some, but Harlan Goetsch isn't impressed.

"I'm just an ordinary man who has tried to live an ordinary life," he said. "I'm nothing special."

Folks may beg to differ. Not many 100-year-olds still drive, live in their own home and play golf. Goetsch does all three, and though he's not completely sure what the recipe is to make it to 100, he has one main tip.

"Stay active," he said. "That's something I've always tried to do. It's important, and it's important to follow a routine."

Goetsch was born on March 2, 1923 to parents Millie and Adolf Goetsch. He grew up on a farm 1 1/2 miles south of Hartley with his brother, Gerald, and a sister, LaVonne.

The family eventually sold the farm and moved to Paullina, where Goetsch's father purchased an implement store. Goetsch graduated from Paullina High School in 1940 and quickly enrolled in radio school at Omaha, Neb. From there, he went on to the Boeing School of Aeronautics, Navigation and Meteorology in California.

Goetsch then joined the Air Transport Command at Seattle, Wash. His initial flights took him across the country to New York, Philadelphia and Chicago, but eventually he was on crews that flew to Australia and Alaska.

After the Air Transport Command disbanded, Goetsch was contacted by the U.S. Merchant Marines to be a radio operator. He didn't dawdle, and was aboard a ship the following day as an ensign.

Goetsch's travels during World War II took him all over the place; however, Alaska remains his favorite location on the globe.

"It's beautiful country there," he said. "It's an incredible place. There is so much beauty."

Goetsch returned to Hartley in the fall of 1946 and met a new teacher at the school, Lorna Lucas. The pair married in 1948 and had two daughters.

Goetsch worked in the farm implement business at The Goetsch Co. until it was sold in 1966. He then began selling insurance and later served as vice president at Security State Bank until his retirement in 1993.

Goetsch has been a part of many milestones in Hartley. He was on boards that spearheaded the construction of Community Memorial Hospital and nursing home as well as the Hartley Community Center. He was also on the Trinity United Church of Christ trust fund board and supported and helped plan the construction of Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club.

The golf course has been Goetsch's favorite endeavor. He still holds a membership and continues to golf three holes regularly.

"I plan to keep doing that," he said. "It's just part of my routine."

Goetsch has seen several changes around Hartley during his 100 years. Through it all, he's been proud to call the City With a Heart his home for most of his life.

Now that the odometer has hit 100, Goetsch has no plans to change what's kept him going all these years.

"When we built this house I said I wouldn't leave unless I'm going out in a wooden box," he said. "Well, I'm 100 now."

Sentinel-News Sports Editor and Staff Writer Mike Petersen contributed to this article.