David J. Goetzinger
October 26, 1952 – August 2, 2025
After a long, hard-fought battle with illness, Dave passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the age of 72, surrounded by his loving family.
He will be remembered as a compassionate and loving father, husband, brother, uncle, friend and co-worker.
Dave was the second-born child of Marvin and Marilyn Goetzinger, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his three children: Shane Goetzinger, Sara Tingelhoff, and Alyssa Wattonville; two grandchildren, Colin and Delanie Wattonville; former wife, Ellen Goetzinger; siblings: Sandy Goetzinger-Comer (Buddy), Joan Villanueva (Mark), Pat Goetzinger, Tom Goetzinger (Julie), Steve Goetzinger (Kathy); and many close family and friends.
Dave was a veteran of the US Army. Upon return, he went to work at Calvary Cemetery with his father, Marvin Goetzinger, where he spent 45 years serving families to ensure that their final resting places were well cared for. Dave was known for his hard work, caring attitude, and attention to detail. He enjoyed fishing, playing cornhole and cribbage, and he was a skilled pool player. He passed on his parents’ love for Okoboji to his children and grandchildren where many wonderful family memories were created. He will be deeply missed.
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VISITATION: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, August 7th at 10:30am, West Center Chapel.
INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors.
Memorials will be directed by the family.
To view a live broadcast of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
10 Comments
My condolences to Dave’s family. I met Dave at Keno back in the 90’s and we would share a table talking. He was a quiet reserved soul with the best laugh. A good guy all around. He was a very proud dad and relished in his children’s achievements. He always looked forward to the Okoboji get togethers with all of you. God grant him the peace and comfort he so deserves. God bless you all.
I send my deepest condolences to the Goetzinger family.
Most sincere and deepest prayers are with the family and friends
My condolences to Dave’s family. It was a pleasure and honor to have worked with him.
It wasn’t until Dave moved into Elmwood Tower as a neighbor on my floor a few years ago that I became acquainted with him. The only times I spent with Dave were as we passed in our hallway or in the building which included riding one of the 3 elevators up or down to/from our 17th floor. That might not sound like much time, but it’s amazing how the 225+ Tower residents know about each other via these brief visits. Simply because he was my neighbor I knew when, almost 2 yrs ago, Dave began having serious medical problems. Sadly those problems multiplied over time. However, Dave never complained, remained congenial, and bore his health problems with peaceful countenance. I’ve been fortunate to have had a glimpse of the person his family so lovingly has known and described. Dave’s soul is surely resting in Perpetual Peace.
I have many great memories of Dave. Some of us girls had the brilliant idea to start a dart team and play league. We didn’t know when we showed up the first night that we had to have our own darts! Dave to the rescue, he went and bought darts and brought them to us. Little did any of us know he would end up as our chauffeur, bodyguard and cheerleader. We spent many nights at Rosenblatt Stadium watching baseball and lots of nights playing pool. He was a great friend and the world is a sadder place without him.
I have many great memories of Dave. Some of us girls (Sandy included) had the brilliant idea to start a dart team and play league. We didn’t know when we showed up the first night that we had to have our own darts! Dave to the rescue, he went and bought darts and brought them to us. Little did any of us know he would end up as our chauffeur, bodyguard and cheerleader. We spent many nights at Rosenblatt Stadium watching baseball and lots of nights playing pool. He was a great friend and the world is a sadder place without him.
Dave was a huge part of anything Catholic Cemeteries related. He mentored and taught every single one of us how to operate the backhoe and loaders, and how to meticulously close and care for the patrons grave sites, set the foundations and the headstones etc. I loved working with him and shooting pool at Ralston Keno, and blowing the frost off a cold one. We’ll miss his smile and tender spirit… RIP good friend!!! Robert “Standing Elk” Potter
I was blessed to work with Dave he was good man and a great boss.
I had the privilege to work with Dave 15 years. He was hard worker and a.great boss. He taught me alot because he cared.
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