Richard Goettsch

The longtime Webster City Community Schools band instructor Richard Daryl Goettsch, revered for his intellect, patience and kindness, died Monday, July 25, 2016. He was 81. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Webster City with Pastor Jeff Flagg officiating. A gentleman, he was. Top notch. Generous. Talented. Loving. Hopeful. And quick-witted. There are not enough words for his loved-ones, and those who knew him only briefly, to describe the late Richard Goettsch. Goettsch was born August 25, 1934 to the late Alfred Willam Goettsch and Dena Gladys (Campbell) Goettsch just outside Atlantic, IA, and was a 1952 graduate of Elliott High School where he excelled in the classroom and took home all-conference basketball honors. Off the court, Goettsch's long relationship with music began with the gift of a trombone, presented by his mother and played throughout his life. Goettsch met his sweetheart Adra Ann Banker in 1954, when they formed an inseparable bond over their mutual love of music. They married in Elliott, IA at her parents' home in 1958. Goettsch, a promoter of education, holds a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Nebraska, and was dedicated Huskers fan. He also served his country honorably in Augusta, GA. in the U.S. Army from 1956-1958 as a first lieutenant as a member of the military police. In 1958 the Goettschs moved to Webster City where Richard began his 36-year career and passion sharing his talent and love of music with students at the Lincoln Building. Goettsch tirelessly taught his students both band and lifelong lessons that would ultimately shape their lives. Goettsch took his teachings to the next level by entering his band in parades, international competitions, and even spearheaded the first Webster City Junior High marching band, donning sharp red jackets. For 49 years, Goettsch spent his summer Sundays at the Karl King Bandshell in Oleson Park in Fort Dodge. He is a member of the Iowa Bandmaster's Association from whom he received the Karl L. King Distinguished Service Award, as well as a Recognition of Professional Service in the Field of Instrumental Music upon his retirement in 1994. He loved hearing from old students and receiving their thank yous, including the occasional "appreciation for putting up with us for three years with a smile." Students remember Goettsch as a man of faith who never gave up on them, and served as a constant role model and life coach for so many. For his family, there are few memories and milestones he wasn't there for. Goettsch rarely missed a recital, football game or concert, and the tech-savy grandfather always had a video camera in hand. His smile could be seen every Sunday as an usher at the Asbury United Methodist Church, and in the choir at the Sun Lakes Methodist Church. Some of his fondest memories included taking his young family on annual vacations all over the U.S. to adventure and spend nights in a camper, pulled by one of his pristine Fords. Many trips included family reunions with his brothers and sisters. Goettsch spent his summers on the links of Briggs Woods Country Club and golfing through 21 winters in Sun Lakes, Ariz. with friends who also joined him for card games, travels, and whiskies. Goettsch is survived by his wife Adra Ann; daughter Amy and son-in-law John Hartnett of Storm Lake; grandchildren Jack Hartnett, Kelsey Hartnett and fiancé Aaron Clausen of Storm Lake, Lily Goettsch of Webster City and Morgan Zisch of Oregon; great grandchildren Dove DeTapia, and Zoey and Summer Zisch; siblings Russell Goettsch and Sharon Svuba; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his son Alan in 1997, his parents, grandson Richard in 2007, and siblings Robert, Randall and Phyllis. Goettsch leaves this earth to the sound of a Karl King march, smoking a pipe and looking down on his proudest accomplishment: his family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at the funeral home in memory of Richard. Write a personal tribute for the family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com.