Obituaries for Thursday December 4th

December 4, 2025 Obituaries | Steve Hexom
Larry Lee Gapen, 80, was born March 24th, 1945 to Melvin and Madge (Glandon) Gapen in Burlington, IA. He left this world to live in eternity with our Lord  November 29th surrounded with love. He lived many places growing up but eventually called Stronghurst, IL his home. He was married to Judy Hilliard and later married the love of his life, Nancy Russell, on March 1st, 1985.
As a young boy, he was fascinated with motors. He became a talented mechanic, building, fixing, restoring, and racing anything with wheels. He was a true artist in that respect. He had the need for speed. Whether it was a classic car, a motor cycle, a race car, or his beloved corvettes, he always put the pedal to the metal. Larry lived his life just like that, always on the go, 0 to 80.
Larry owned his own trucking business early on in his life. He worked for several Burlington construction companies and eventually owned Gap’s Auto car dealership. He finally retired from the Henderson County Drainage District after 34 years of service.
Larry loved life. His world revolved around his family, friends, his dogs, working on cars, and driving his beloved Corvettes.  He enjoyed eating at Napolis and Applebees. Each Sunday he would socialize at the River City Auction, always looking for a good deal. He had a soft spot for animals and took great pride caring for his dogs, Goldie and Noodles. He spent two weeks each summer in Knoxville, Iowa, camping and attending the World of Outlaw races.  Go Schatzs!
Larry is survived by his wife, Nancy, three sons Jeff, Mark, and Brandon (Jillian) Gapen and two daughters Kathy (Scott) Parker and Kaila (Cory) Fox. He has 12 grandchildren: Kinleigh, Carter, Walker, Theodora, Hannah, Jackson, Bennett, Noah, Andrew, Danielle, Chavana, and a grandbaby girl due in the Spring. He has seven great grandchildren: Esmae, Parker, Lilah, Wrenley, Hayden, Jaxton and Ariella.
He is proceeded in death by his mother and father, sister, two brothers, son-in-law, two grandchildren (Ava & Olivia) and his beloved dogs, Molly, Sophie, Sport, and Big John.
Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to Banks and Beals of Stronghurst, IL. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 6th at the Carthage Lake Club from 1-4 pm. All are welcome to come and celebrate Larry’s life.  A memorial will be established at a later date.  Please visit Larry’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
Fr. Marty Goetz, 59, of Burlington, died Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Fr. Marty was born July 20, 1966, in Keokuk, IA, the son of Jack and Mary Ann Savacool Goetz. He attended Catholic Schools in Keokuk, and graduated St. Ambrose University in 1988. He attended Mundelein Seminary, and was ordained to the Diaconate by Bishop Gerald O’Keefe November 30, 1991, at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Fr. Marty was ordained to the priesthood May 29, 1992, at All Saints Parish in Keokuk by Bishop O’Keefe.

Fr. Marty served the Diocese of Davenport as Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick’s in Iowa City, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Victory in Davenport, and Parochial Vicar of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace in Clinton. After a leave of absence, Fr. Marty served as pastor of Holy Trinity in Keota, St. Mary’s Parish in Sigourney, Our Lady of Lourdes in Keswick, St. Mary’s Parish in Riverside, Holy Trinity Parish in Richmond, St. Joseph Parish in Wellman, Divine Mercy Parish in Burlington-West Burlington, St. Mary Parish in Dodgeville, Sacred Heart Parish in Newton, and Immaculate Conception Parish in Colfax.

Fr. Marty was also Diocesan Vocation Director and State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus. On Ash Wednesday, 2016, Fr. Marty was appointed by Pope Francis as a Missionary of Mercy.

Fr. Marty is survived by his brothers, John and his wife Kim of Keokuk, Dan and his wife Vicky of Excelsior Springs, MO, and Joe and his wife Amy of Keokuk; and his “favorite” sister, Martha Riney and her husband Randy of Keokuk. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Jennifer Goetz, Austin Goetz, Matt (Jan) Goetz, Sara (Tyler) Owen, Jessica Goetz, Michael (Ashley) Goetz, David (Leigh Ann) Riney, Daniel (Kelli) Riney, Martin “Chuck” Riney, Jessie (Brandon) Clark, Nickie (Jesse) Lynn, Patrick Goetz, Allie Hayden, and 9 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his namesake, Fr. Martin Diamond and sister-in-law, Karen Goetz.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Burlington, Iowa. A Vigil Prayer Service for Fr. Marty will conclude the visitation.

The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Fr. Marty will be 10:30 AM Friday, December 5, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa. It was Fr. Marty’s wish to have all attendees wear their most favorite and comfortable tennis shoes to his service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Priests’ Aid Society and Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Fr. Marty’s obituary at www.prughfuneral.com.