Obituaries

Bruce Goers

May 23, 1939 - October 22, 2025

Bruce Edward Goers, age 86, went home to be with the Lord on October 22, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 23, 1939, to Gus and Mabel Goers, Bruce grew up with a natural curiosity for how things worked—a trait that would follow him all his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Paul, and his first son, James. 

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Morgan Luck Goers, his children, Chris (Jennifer) Goers , Patsy (Wayne) Rogers, Howard Goers, and Andrew Goers, his step-daughters Becky and Lucy; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Bruce shared his five children with Penelope Ann Schmidt, with whom he maintained a kind and respectful friendship through the years. 

Bruce began his career as a metallurgical engineer in mining operations and rose to become a Phosphate Plant Operations Manager in Polk County, Florida. Later in life, he brought that same drive and ingenuity to running a retail Pack and Ship store and to crafting handmade fixed-blade knives. A self-taught builder and lifelong problem-solver, Bruce once built his first home from the ground up in his late twenties. If he didn’t already know how to fix something, he would figure it out.

He was a voracious reader—devouring science fantasy novels and nearly anything else within reach. He studied scripture and theology. He loved music, especially singing in church choirs, and found deep joy in worship. As an early member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Lakeland, Bruce poured his faith into service—serving faithfully for nearly 50 years. He served on the vestry, on the altar, as treasurer, as the church bread baker and other roles for many years.

Those who knew Bruce will remember him as perpetually calm, quietly kind, and graciously opinionated when it mattered. His steady presence and genuine faith shaped the lives of those around him. He walked humbly with God, not just in belief but in the way he loved, served, and lived each day.

A service to celebrate Bruce’s life and faith will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Lakeland, Florida on November 7th at 11:00 am.  A light luncheon will follow the service.