Francis H. Gootee, M.D., 90
Francis H. Gootee, M.D., age 90 of Jasper, passed away at 10:00 a.m. Thursday (June 20, 2013) at home.
He was born on his family farm north of Loogootee, Indiana on November 15, 1922 to Leo M. Gootee, DVM and Estella (Fanning) Gootee. He married Patricia Hallihan on June 24, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois.
He received his undergraduate degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, and his medical degree from Loyola University in Chicago, IL in 1952. He began his professional career as a family practice physician in 1954 in Loogootee, IN. In 1960 he and his brother, Dr. Thomas Gootee, opened their medical clinic at the corner of Fifth and Clay streets in Jasper, from which they practiced medicine for over 50 years.
He was an Army Veteran who served during WWII, serving as a paratrooper in the Pacific and earning the rank of captain.
He was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church, the American Legion Post #147, the VFW Post #673, a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, the Serra Club, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
He enjoyed fishing and gardening, and staying in touch with former patients.
Surviving,
Wife, Patricia Gootee, Jasper, IN
Three daughters,
Mary Pat Fuhrman and husband James, St. Louis, MO
Marita Gootee and her partner Wendy Roussin, Starkville, MS
Maureen Gootee and her partner Angela Steele, Columbus, OH
Two sons,
Edward Gootee and wife Fay, Floyd Knobs, IN
David Gootee and partner Mark Gilley, Orlando, FL
Eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren,
One brother,
Father Paul Gootee, SVD, Chicago, IL
Three sisters,
Agnes James, Ludington, MI
Theresa Jatkowski, Rogers City, MI
Sister Patricia Gootee, Medical Mission Sisters, Peru, South America
Preceding him in death are a son, Michael Gootee, three brothers, Thomas H. Gootee, M.D., Raymond Gootee and Fr. Stanley Gootee, SVD, and one sister, Sr. Marym Gootee, Sisters of Providence.
Funeral services for Francis H. Gootee, M.D. will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday (June 25, 2013) at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Jasper, with entombment to follow in Fairview Cemetery Mausoleum. The VFW Post 673 will conduct military gravesite rites.
Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., on Monday (June 24, 2013) at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper.
Memorial contributions may be made to Precious Blood Catholic Church or to a favorite charity.
Condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.
