Jireh Seth Goertzen

Jireh Seth Goertzen was born on November 24, 2002 to Joel and Barb Goertzen in Brandon, Manitoba.  Jireh grew up north of Austin at Pine Creek. 

 Jireh always had interesting ideas and loved to tell everyone about his new ideas and plans.  He also enjoyed helping others make their ideas happen. He was always optimistic and had a particularly positive attitude.  Jireh was never grouchy for long.  He would often express how proud he was of his family and friends and he saw the best in everyone.

Jireh was animated when talking about things he was passionate about and would often get louder and louder when talking about his passions.  He loved board games and knowing the rules of the games.  Reading was another passion of Jireh’s.  In his teenage years he read the Lord of the Rings series “a bunch of times”.  As he got older he enjoyed C.S. Lewis’ writing, especially his deeper works.  “The Great Divorce”, Lewis’ thought provoking book about the afterlife was one that he recently enjoyed.  He would listen to sermons by Lewis and was moved by the quote, “You have never talked to a mere mortal.”

Making swords and shields with Bowen resulted in battles that they thoroughly enjoyed so much that they would invite friends to join in.  The sandbox was also a great battlefield for toy soldiers.  Cars and bikes were also passions of his but his greatest passion was his love for Jesus and his love for people. 

Many summers were spent as a camper and then working at Valley View Bible Camp.  He loved the atmosphere and the people at camp.  Following high school he spent three years at Millar College of the Bible where he enjoyed dorm life, learning and debating and making close friends.

On August 27, 2023 Jireh married his beautiful best friend, Robin Semler.  Jireh and Robin had been friends most of their lives and started dating when Jireh was 18.  They were so excited to start their life together and enjoyed setting up their apartment in Brandon.  They explored Italy for a honeymoon this past February. They shared so many wonderful plans and dreams for their future together. Jireh and Robin shared an incredible love for each other. 

Jireh is predeceased by his cousins Sophie and Acacia Goertzen, his uncle Isaac Buhler and his grandfather Isaac Buhler. He is survived by his wife Robin, his parents Joel and Barb, siblings Bowen, Rylan, Sierra and Gordon, grandparents Barb Buhler, Peter and Marilyn Goertzen, parents in law Dave and Wendy Semler and brother in law Nick as well as many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.