Goettsch, Harold Jack

Harold Jack Goettsch, 91, formerly of Davenport, died peacefully Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at Solon Care Center, Solon. Services in celebration of his life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 18, at Weerts Funeral Home, Kimberly at Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport, where his family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery, Davenport.

Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City.

Harold Jack Goettsch, known to many as “Pink,” was born in 1921, the son of Max and Augusta Goettsch. Harold graduated from Davenport High School in 1939, along with his twin brother, Howard “Blue” Goettsch. An article in the June 1939 Davenport Democrat and Leader read as follows:

“Wednesday, June 7 - About 18 years ago, Mrs. Augusta Goettsch, 602 West Ninth St., Davenport, became the mother of twins. Because they were identical, they were distinguished as “Pinkie” and “Blue” from the color of their blankets until they were properly named, respectively, Harold and Howard. Next week they graduate from Davenport High School, still best known as “Pinkie” and “Bluie.” These nicknames stuck with them throughout their lives.

Harold attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., during his tour with the United States Navy, serving at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for 3 1/2 years. He was united in marriage to Margaret Martens at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Davenport on Aug. 22, 1942. Margaret died in 2005 after 63 years of marriage.

Harold was employed at Tri-City Electric, learning the electrical trade and working as an electrician for 30 years. Later, he worked as an electrical estimator at Koehler Electric Co. for 10 years.

Harold enjoyed playing bridge, golf and was a great fisherman and hunter.

Survivors include a son, Thomas (Kristin) of Naperville, Ill.; daughters, Mary (Jim) Schepker and Susan Aversing, both of North Liberty, and Sharon South of Davenport; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sally; sister, Hortense Schwener; twin brother, Howard; and sons-in-law, Gary Aversing and Steven South. May they all rest in peace.

A special thanks to the wonderful caregivers and staff at Solon Health Care Center and Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed to Harold's family by visiting his obituary at www.WeertsFH.com.

Published May 16, 2013 in The Gazette