Services for Charles J. Gottsch, 86, of Blair, who died Tuesday, September 17, 1985, in the Blair Memorial Community Hospital, will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bennington. The Rev. Norman Schroeder will officiate and burial will be in the Kennard Cemetery.

Gottsch was born October 19, 1898, in Bennington, the son of Berhardt and Helena Gottsch. He married Ruth French Oct. 20, 1926, in Kennard.

Gottsch attended school at Washington, Midland Lutheran College and UNL School of Music. He played with the Petersen Orchestra during the ‘20s. He farmed in the Bennington area until retirement in 1955. He then went into the paint contracting business until retiring in 1970.

He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bennington.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth of Blair; one son, Charles Gottsch, Jr. of Salinas, California; one daughter, Mrs. Dale (Sharon) Anderson of Uehling; three brothers, Arthur of Elkhorn, Ben of Omaha, and Harlan of Arlington; three sisters, Mable Gottsch, Bernita Gottsch and Mrs. Denton, (Roma) Dresher, all of Omaha; and three grandchildren.

Gottsch was preceded in death by one brother, Glen; one sister, Katherine; and one grandchild.

Pallbearers will be Bob Gottsch, Art L. Gottsch, Jr., Bill Plugge, Robert Plugge, Dean Johns and Paul Johns.

Organist will be Miriam Sukraw and vocalist will be Eleanora Plugge.