LANCASTER, SC::::::Mr. John Fritz Goebel, age 87, passed away Monday, August 24, 2015 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. He was born June 3, 1928 in Lenz, Germany, the son of Willie Goebel and Ella Handschack Goebel and was the husband of Gudrun Merkel Goebel.

John's love of the outdoors eventually led him to his current residence at Lake Wateree where he became a member of Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church.

John followed a tradition of third generation apprentice tool and die makers. His career spanned the countries of Germany, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Canada and migrated to the United States with only a single suitcase. He became a successful business owner when he transferred to Lancaster, SC as head of engineering for A.O. Smith Corporation and immediately realized the need for his manufacturing knowledge. He opened Continental Manufacturing Service in 1969 in a garage and grew the company into a major precision manufacturing facility. It was during this time that he also became runner up for small business man of the year in 1987 with 42 employees in a new facility north of Lancaster on Highway 521.

John was very active in the business community and brought Accutrex Products and ATS Carolina to the area when they acquired Continental Manufacturing Service and Goebel Corporation respectively. John always inspired and encouraged anyone, especially the young adults beginning their career, to join his love of his profession.

Mr. Goebel is survived by his wife, Gudrun M. Goebel; a son, Matthias J. Goebel and his fiancé, Melissa Arant of Lexington, SC; four daughters, Heidi G. Parker and her husband Bobby and Karin G. Hinson and her husband Ben both of Lancaster, Michelle G. Hurst and her husband Stewart of Babson Park, FL and Theresa G. Sullivan and her husband Randy of Marvin, NC; a sister, Anita Baumann and her husband Eberhard of Dresden, Germany; ten grandchildren, Jonathan and Matthew Goebel, Anna Parker, Sara Morris, Kolbie and Chandler Hinson, Charlie and Jacqueline Hurst, Christina and Nicholas Sullivan.

Mr. Goebel was preceded in death by a daughter, Marianne Goebel and a sister, Isolde Dietze.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Mr. Goebel is 3:00 pm Friday, August 28, 2015 at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home by Dr. Eugene Rollins and Rev. Mary D. D'Alessio.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Thursday evening at their home in Lancaster and also Friday from 1:30 - 3:00 pm at Burgess Funeral Home, 1800 Charlotte Highway, Lancaster. Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church, PO Box 170, Liberty Hill, SC 29074.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Mr. Goebel is 3:00 pm Friday, August 28, 2015 at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home by Dr. Eugene Rollins and Rev. Mary D. DAlessio.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Thursday evening at their home in Lancaster and also Friday from 1:30 - 3:00 pm at Burgess Funeral Home