Gerald C. Goebel

Gerald (Jerry) C. Goebel, 74, passed away surrounded by his loving family, on May 14, 2023.

Jerry was born June 25, 1948 to Cletus and Jeanette (Heck) Goebel in Charles City, Iowa. He graduated from Charles City High School and went on to receive his Associate degree from Nettleton College in Omaha, NE. Jerry worked as a Deputy Sheriff for the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Department for 10 years. He always had a story to tell from his time served. He went on to become a Claims Adjuster for Auto Owners Insurance Company where he retired after 25 years. Retirement didn't afford Jerry the opportunity to "visit" with enough people, so he went on to work for Rochester Armored Car where he worked until his death.

Jerry was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Air Force of four years, notably having served in Vietnam.

Jerry had many varied interests throughout his life. He played the drums as a young adult for the Rangers Country Western Band and continued his passion for music and drums by joining the Urbandale Community Band. He obtained his pilot license after leaving the USAF and flew often with family and friends. He was not afraid to do loop-de-loops once in a while, and it is rumored he even let his first father-in-law take the helm once. He rode motorcycles throughout his life and riding with the Patriot Guards was a great honor of his. He would only ride as fast as his guardian angel could keep up. He loved the circus, oftentimes working as a clown. He rode bulls as a young man. He loved God and joined the seminary, but later decided that his vocation was married life. He did continue his faithful service to God by being a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Jerry was married to Ronda Boggess in 1973. They had 2 beautiful daughters, Tammy and Laurie, who are the light of their life. Jerry always said "Two girls, one Daddy, Sweethearts".

Jerry later married the love of his life Nancy and embraced Jennifer and Jeremy as his own. The couple then had a daughter, Angela (Buzz). Jerry and Nancy enjoyed taking their children on family vacations, they enjoyed renovating their home and spending time laughing together. Jerry and Nancy taught religious education while at St. Mary’s in Oskaloosa. Jerry was a Cub Scout leader while his son was a cub and was a member of the Jaycees. He was a self-taught computer repair man and even did some programming. To Jerry, family was his heart and soul. He never met a stranger and would always respond when asked how he was, “Even better now that I’ve seen you”, and he genuinely meant it every time. Knowing people’s names, how to pronounce them, how to spell them was his gift. He always made you feel like you were the only person around when in conversation with him. He enjoyed trains, collecting train memorabilia and always had his train set up. He was often heard referring to himself as a “Beer drinking, tobacky chewing, naked lady lookin' fishing guy". Though he didn't take time away from the family for most of those things.

Left to mourn his loss is his wife, Nancy (Counsell) Goebel of West Des Moines, IA; children, Tammy (Erik) Altman, Des Moines, IA, Jennifer (Joseph) Coder, West Des Moines, IA, Laurie (Patrick) Kazeze, Ankeny, IA, Jeremy Bass, Oskaloosa, IA and Angela (Matthew) Sumpter, Adel, IA; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his siblings, Dale Goebel, Urbandale, Jean Evers, Edina, MN, and Bill (Beth) Goebel, Urbandale; and many Kool-Aid kids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Donnie Smith, and grandson, Schyler Coder.

Nancy, I will go to my grave loving you ~ Jerry

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2926 Beaver Avenue in Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Patriot Guard in loving memory of Gerald.

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