Elizabeth "Liz" S. (Gebhardt) Goertzen

Elizabeth “Liz” S. Goertzen, of Salina, Kansas, passed away on June 25, 2025. She was born on Nov. 30, 1945, in Newton, Kansas, to Edwin “Ed” Gebhardt and Eleanora (Witte) Gebhardt.

During her childhood the family lived in Newton, Lincoln, WaKeeney, and Abilene, Kansas. Liz attended elementary school and her freshman year of high school in WaKeeney before the family settled in Abilene, where she graduated with the Class of 1963.

After high school she earned her cosmetology license from the Cinderella School of Beauty in Salina and worked in several Abilene salons, most notably Hanel’s Beauty Shop.

On Sept. 15, 1965, Liz married Robert E. Goertzen at Faith Lutheran Church in Abilene, with the Rev. Irvin Bruenjes officiating. They had two children, Teresa and John.

The couple moved to Salina in 1967. Liz worked for Duckwall/Alco Co. for 27 years, retiring in 2000 when the store closed. She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Eleanora Gebhardt; her husband, Robert “Bob” Goertzen; her son, John Goertzen; brother-in-law Waldo Ediger; sister-in-law Alda Hiebert; and parents-in-law Philip and Alice Goertzen.

She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Huffman (Stan); grandchildren Haley Foy (Jacob), Riley Demott (Skyler), and Cade Goertzen (Maddie); great-granddaughters Ellie Foy and Penny Foy.

Liz had many interests: she enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends; listening to music; tending her flower beds; crafting; reading; antiquing; and decorating her home for every holiday. Above all, she cherished visits from her loved ones. She also had a special affection for animals, especially her cats.

Visitation will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th St., Salina, KS.

Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday July 1, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 702 S. 9th St., Salina, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Liz’s honor.

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