Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Harlan Goetsch served in the U.S. Merchant Marines
Harlan Goetsch flashes a smile last August after being acknowledged and honored for his service to the nation's Air Command and Merchant Marines during World War II.
The last World War II veteran in Hartley died on May 9 at the age of 101.
Harlan Goetsch served in the U.S. Merchant Marines from 1944-1946. According to an interview with the Sentinel-News last year on his 100th birthday, Goetsch's travels during World War II took him all over the globe; however, Alaska remained his favorite place.
"I'm just an ordinary man who has tried to live an ordinary life," he said. "I'm nothing special."
Local residents may beg to differ. Goetsch was a well-known staple in Hartley and remained in his home even after hitting triple digits, only recently moving to Commu...
