In loving memory of

Donald Keith Goetz
February 8, 1932 - July 25, 2017

Donald Keith Goetz, 85, of Tipton, peacefully left this world in the comfort of his home on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. A Celebration of Life and a time to reminisce and share stories will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2017 from 2:00 to 6:00 pm at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton. Private graveside services will be held later that evening in St. Joseph's Cemetery, West Branch, Iowa. Should friends so desire a memorial fund has been established in Don's name for St. Mary's Catholic Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.
Don was born on February 8, 1932, in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Walter Herman George Goetz and Julia Kathrine Koenig Goetz. Don was united in marriage to Maxine Marie Anderson in Mediapolis. They later divorced. Don was united in marriage to Virginia Jean Ruzek on July 7, 1977, in Chicago, Illinois. He enlisted in the US Marines Corp and served our country during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954.
Don's long career in the grocery business began at age 14 as a potato sacker at a Benner Tea Company store in Burlington in 1946. Don rose to store manager at age 18 and, after returning from the Marine Corps, he returned to Benner and was instrumental in that company's expansion, at one time supervising 17 stores and holding top positions in warehousing, transportation and maintenance.
Don went into business for himself in October 1964 when he opened Don's Big Value in Tipton. He later opened stores in several cities in eastern Iowa under the Family Foods banner that still flies today with sons Mike and Randy at the helm. Don prided himself in clean stores, competitive prices and close customer relations. He was recently recognized for 50 years of grocery store ownership.
Don was a very giving man who loved family nights and decades of summer family vacations to Fair Hills Resort in Minnesota. He was involved in numerous service organizations, including the Tipton Country Club and the Tipton Rotary Club where he was named as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Don is survived by his wife, Jean of Tipton, daughters, Pam Jones of Tipton, Ginny Goetz-Mizaur (Rusty) of Iowa City, Tracy Goetz of Iowa City and Sara (Jeff) Ralston of Davenport; sons, Michael (Denise) Goetz of Tipton, Randy (Julie) Goetz of Anamosa, Scott Wingert of Swisher and Randy (Dee) Wingert of Denver, Colo.; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Julia Goetz; ex-wife, Maxine Goetz; sisters, Dorothy Doemland, Kathryn Sliger; brothers, Robert and Kenneth.

Tributes

The Dendingers wrote on Jul 30, 2017:

"We extend our sympathy to the entire family. "

Nancy Hanks Martin wrote on Jul 30, 2017:

"With deepest sympathy to the family, for the loss of your dad."

Dean Ortgies wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"I am very sorry to see that Don has passed away...great guy. He was always good to me and I liked him a lot!! I really enjoyed my time working at "The Foods" during my high school days. You all have my deepest condolences."

Gene & Delores Phelps wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"Don Goetz family -- Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you."

Jeff and Traci Ormsby wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"So sorry to hear about Don. We are thinking of you all...."

Steve & Cindy Daniels wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"Goetz Family, So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Don will be missed by many. Enjoyed working for the family at the Jack & Jill store Maquoketa. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Myrt Stepanek wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"For all of Don's family--I am so very sorry for your loss. don was one of the friendliest people I have ever known. we can't go back and change anything but we can remember the good things,treasure the last pictures and always hold him close to your heart. Many prayers for your peace and comfort. also lots of big big hugs for all of you."

Timothy Nelson wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"Sorry to hear of your dad passing. He was a geat man and hard worker "

Heidi Strefling-Shumaker wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"Prayers for the Goetz & Wingert families. Many good times were had under the big tent Don set for every swim meet when we were younger. And what was a meet without him strolling around with his pipe or free cotton candy for us. I also have a fond memory of him insisting we play bingo until I could win at one of Sara's birthday parties. He sure had a kind heart and a lot of patience."

Jolene (Purviance) Palmer wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"Thoughts and Prayers are with your family at this time of sadness. With Deepest Sympathy,"

Krista Goetz Meyer wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"Dear Iowa Family?? Scott and I give you our love. This man cared for our dad ( Kenneth DeWayne Goetz) when he was dying. He battled w doctors that gave a wrong diagnosis and took matters into his own hands.... He was a great business man with a compassionate side.... the best combination of traits. We may not have talked often, but his love for us always served as a lifeline. We knew he would always be there.... if we needed him. ?Jesus will give you all strength to face each day without Uncle Dons smile. What a celebration in heaven now that he is with his parents, brothers and sisters. God Bless us all . ??'" Scott Goetz ( nephew) and Krista Goetz Meyer ( niece)"

Marlene Crock & Family wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"My prayers are with all the family at this time. I believe his family was number one in importance, but his community was surely number two. His generosity and good deeds done only prove this. Thankfully, his children and grandchildren learned this from him. He will be dearly missed."

Randy Phelps wrote on Jul 27, 2017:

"My thoughts and prayers are with your families. I would like to thank Don for his kind ways and nice smile."

Jeff Fields wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"Although I grew up around the corner from Goetz's house, we always cut through the yards behind Gravert's and Schnelle's to get to the basement door. One my earliest memories was that Don's name was the opposite of Keith's name --Donald Keith and Keith Donald. Another memory as a kid, was that Don had a German Luger and a slot machine. Two of the coolest things to a 10 year old. Randy Goetz and I spent a week out of grade school together with the mumps. Of course there's more, but I'd like to express my heartfelt condolences to the Goetz family."

Wayne & Bonnie Deerberg wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"Sincere sympathy to Jean and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. "

Rosemary Buckley Selfridge wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"To the Goetz family-I was so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a nice man with a big smile and a big heart for the community. Not to mention what a hard worker he was. He greatly improve the grocery scene in Tipton with his stores. His specials were great, and there was always a nice variety of foods, and a good meat market. It was a friendly place to shop, and I enjoyed getting my groceries there. He has left your family a legacy through his effort and dedication."

Carolyn Wilson wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"Jean & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers are coming your way."

Fern & Jim Vitense wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"When someone we love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. The journey of life gives us memories we can cherish together forever. May you cherish all your wonderful memories you have of Don. May he live forever in your hearts. Our deepest sympathy for Don."

Judy Archer wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"Jean and family - You all have my deepest sympathy for the passing of Don. Don was a man with a big smile, a gleam in his eye and a kind word to everyone he would meet. Don was put on this earth to serve others, and that is what he accomplished. May God bless all of you."

Gerri Kern Scherer wrote on Jul 26, 2017:

"Jean and the Goetz Family, My condolence. Death leaves heartache no one can heal Love leaves a memory no one can steal. "