Marty Goetz

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. Family will be greeting friends from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Friday at the church as well.

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.