Dr. Edward Gobetz

Dr. Edward Gobetz (Edi) died in his home surrounded by his family on Dec 12, 2020.  He is survived by his beloved and cherished wife of 54 years, Milena Gobetz (Osenar), his daughters Emily Milica Stupica (Dominik), Maria Mojca Prayner (Jeff), and Maggie Metka Gobetz, and by his grandchildren: Sarah, Maja, Nicholas “Miklavz”, Niko, Luka, Abby, and Nadia, and by many other friends and extended family members. Edi was born in Celje, Slovenia on July 25, 1926. He attended classical gymnasium until captured into a forced labor camp as a young teen. He became a courageous saboteur of the Nazis by collaborating with the French resistance. After escaping the camp, he enlisted in the British army. He worked as a translator, facilitating immigrations for many Jewish survivors and Slovenian refugees. Edi studied modern languages in Naples Italy, then came to America on a college scholarship. He worked as a laborer to earn a doctorate from Ohio State University. He was a professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Ohio State, University of Maryland, and Kent State University until his retirement. He published over 20 books and 500 articles. Edi served on editorial boards, lectured internationally, was named Outstanding Educator of America in 1972, was a member of the New York Academy of Sciences, and served as vice president for both the National Confederation of American Ethnic Groups and The International Social Science Honor Society. Edi founded the Slovenian Research Center of America (SRCA) to highlight Slovenian contributions to the world and recently received an award for his service from the Slovenian government. He was a devoted American, a proud Slovenian, a loving husband, friend, grandfather, and father. He accomplished many important things in his life but realized that treating every human being as if they were important held the greater value. He will be greatly missed by many, but his legacy will live on in his writings and in those he influenced. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Collinwood or the missionary work of Father Pedro Opeka at Catholic Mission Aid. Due to Covid 19 all services will be private at 10 a.m. on Dec 29, 2020, but streamed on the St. Mary Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/st.maryscollinwood). A celebration of his life will take place when it is safe for all to be included. Arrangements by THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS. Online obituary and guestbook at www.DeJohnCares.com.

Link to Service December 29