Memorial services for Howard A. Goettsch, 80, of Long Grove, will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf. Inurnment will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island. Family will greet friends on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Howard passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his Lord and Savior Jesus.
Howard was born on Feb. 12, 1945, in Davenport, the son of Howard and Dorothy (Ahrens) Goettsch. He married Nancy (Nelson) Jacobson on Oct. 15, 1999, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Davenport.
Howard worked at Mid-American Energy, formerly Iowa & Illinois Gas & Electric Company for 45 years, proudly serving the community as a lineman and crew leader, retiring April 1, 2011. He and Nancy were founding members of Fireside Christian Church, Park View. He lived by the principles of his Christian faith every day. He raised whitetail deer and was a member of the Iowa Whitetail Deer Association and the North American Deer Farmers Association.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy of Long Grove, daughters, Melissa Kristine (Harold) Van Der Hart of Ft. Calhoun, Neb., Michelle Rene (Russell) Bishop of Davenport, son, Scott (Ronda Dies) Goettsch of Eldridge, grandchildren, Olivia of Eldridge, Deborah (James) Kreifels of Omaha, Mitchell (Erica) Van Der Hart of Omaha, Daniel (Shanna) Van Der Hart of Omaha, Rachel Fix of Tiffin, Derek Fix of Davenport, Tyler (Grace) Bishop of Davenport, seven great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, Soren Jacobson of Ankeny, Melvin Jacobson, Logan Jacobson of Davenport, IA, stepsons, Soren (Nikki) Jacobson of Davenport, Garth (Megan) Jacobson of Davenport, sister, Scharlett Goettsch-Blevins of Davenport, brother, Jeffrey Goettsch of Lowden.
When you talked to Howard, he made you feel like you had known him all your life. He had the biggest fan club in the North Scott area. He played football for nine years, beginning in the sixth grade to semi-pro.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to the North Scott Food Pantry.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.
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