Chris Alan Goetzke

Chris Alan Goetzke

Chris Alan Goetzke, age 66, of Woodbury, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, with his family by his side after a year-long battle with glioblastoma.

Chris was born on October 27, 1959, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Gordon and Dorothy Goetzke. He grew up in St. Paul and carried with him throughout his life the warmth, humor, and easygoing spirit that made people feel welcome wherever he went.

Chris was the beloved husband of Patrice Goetzke; loving father of Joseph (Sjeila) Goetzke and Jaclyn (Chad) Shugart; and incredibly proud grandfather of Giada, Dean, Amos, and Francis. More than anything, Chris loved his grandchildren. They were the light of his life, and nothing brought him more joy than being “Grandpa.”

Chris is also survived by his sister, Lynn (Knute) Hernas; his sister-in-law, Paula Carter; and many other family members and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Dorothy Goetzke, and his brother, Dale Goetzke.

Chris had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone he met. He was goofy, fun-loving, kind, generous, and always ready with a laugh. He had a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and included, whether they were family, friends, teammates, customers, coworkers, or someone he had just met.

Chris’s gift for bringing people together showed up in every part of his life. Through his years working in consumer electronics, warehouses, and sales, he formed lifelong friendships with a fun-loving group known as “The Mooses.” In their younger years, they shared countless adventures, laughs, and stories together. As life moved forward and everyone built families, careers, and busy lives of their own, that bond remained, with The Mooses continuing to gather for years every Friday the 13th. It was a tradition that reflected the kind of friendship, loyalty, humor, and joy that Chris carried with him throughout his life.

He also spent many years playing weekly Texas hold ’em with a group of friends, where the laughs and stories mattered every bit as much as the cards. Through coaching, directing tournaments, and supporting athletic clubs, Chris touched the lives of countless children, athletes, and parents with encouragement, humor, patience, and heart.

Chris also had a lifelong love of motorcycles. He rode when he was younger, and in more recent years, he and Patti rekindled that passion together, getting a Harley and taking memorable trips to Sturgis and other places along the way.

Chris and Patti shared a deep love of travel, especially their trips to Hawaii. The warmth, hospitality, music, food, and joy they found there helped inspire Chris’s dream of creating an “island paradise” back here in Minnesota, a place where people could gather, relax, celebrate, and have a good time.

That dream became The Tilted Tiki in downtown Stillwater. To Chris, The Tiki was always more than a restaurant. It became a place for good food, laughter, music, friendships, celebrations, and countless memories. He loved the people who walked through the doors, and so many customers, staff, and friends became part of The Tiki family.

Chris faced his illness with the love and support of his family and the many people who cared deeply for him. His family is deeply grateful to his doctors, nurses, care teams, family, friends, and everyone who helped, loved, and supported Chris and his family throughout his battle with cancer. The family also wishes to express special gratitude for Craig and Debbie Rudesill, whose friendship meant so much to Chris and continues to mean so much to Patti. 

In one final act of generosity, Chris will give the gift of sight through eye donation, a lasting reflection of the kindness and care he showed throughout his life.

While his loss is heartbreaking, his family is grateful for the memories, the laughter, the love he gave so freely, and the lasting impact he had on so many lives.

A private service for family will be held the morning of Sunday, June 7, 2026. Family and friends are invited to a public celebration of life later that day at JX Event Venue - 123 2nd St N #301, Stillwater, MN 55082 from 3-6pm.

Chris will be deeply missed and forever loved.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.