Theodore “Ted” Goetzinger died peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at his home in Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 25th at St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church in Salter Path. There will be a reception at the church following the service.

Ted was born on January 29, 1937, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Leslie and Theresa Goetzinger. He enjoyed a successful business career with Aetna. He retired in 1987 and moved to Pine Knoll Shores determined to enjoy the relaxed beach life. He quickly learned that he was happiest when he was busy and helping others. He believed in serving others and quickly learned that he enjoyed giving his time and abilities to help his community as much as he loved golf and fishing. He helped establish the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter, was a member of Life Raft 2000 to provide a building for St. Francis by the Sea where he also served on the Vestry, including one term as Senior Warden. Ted served on the Board of Directors for the Carteret County Domestic Violence Program, served on the Advisory Board of the Leon Mann Enrichment Center, worked to create the Carteret County Friends of the Aging and he enjoyed volunteering as the Race Timer for the annual Pine Knoll Shores Kayak for the Warriors for several years. Ted spent 20 years serving the Town of Pine Knoll Shores on the Board of Commissioners assigned to the Police Department and Fire/EMS Rescue.

Ted loved spending time with his family and friends, creating art with fused glass and was an avid reader and a big supporter of the Bogue Banks Public Library.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Marian Goetzinger of the home; children, Beth Christianson (Greg) of Escalante, UT, Patrick Goetzinger (Lisa) of Milwaukee, WI, Carolyn McDonald (Christian) of Austin, TX, Peter Goetzinger of Kanab, UT, Meredith Westbrook (Dr. Kenneth) of Morehead City, NC, and Amy Hahn (Roger) of Morehead City, NC; sister, Leslie Bisbing (Ron) of New Berlin, WI; 13 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and his dogs, Willie Nelson and Chloe.

In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded in death by his son, Michael L. Goetzinger; brother, Tom Goetzinger; and grandson, Brian A. McDonald.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the OWLS Wildlife Shelter, 100 Wildlife Way, Newport, NC 28570, or St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal Church, 920 Salter Path Road, Salter Path, NC 28575.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.