Martin Arnold “Marty” Gubbels

Marty Gubbels

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Martin “Marty” Arnold Gubbels died April 17, 2024. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., July 9, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 5 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Marty (1926), was one of 12 children born to Peter and Mary (Meyer) Gubbels, Hartington.

Marty enlisted in the Army shortly after his 18th birthday. While stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., he transferred to the Navy and then to the Seabees, even though he did not know how to swim and had never seen a large body of water. He was stationed stateside before going to Quam in 1945. After the war, Marty returned to Nebraska and enrolled in barber school in Sioux City, Iowa. He married Teresa Siegner (deceased, May 10, 2010), Vail, Iowa, in 1950. They were active members of Saint Joseph Catholic Church and school. Marty owned “Marty’s Barbershop” in Cecilia Park on Morningside Ave. For the past 20 years, Marty lived at the Sunrise Retirement Community, where he was honored for his volunteer work.

Over the years, Marty enjoyed hunting, Heelan football, and many fishing trips to Minnesota, Canada and Alaska. He was active playing cards, planting container flower/vegetable gardens, and leading the rosary. Marty was an enthusiastic volunteer at Queen of Peace/Trinity Heights from its inception, and continued his support until he turned 92. Marty said his best praying was done while mowing the grass around the statue of Mary.

Marty is survived by his children, Mary Kay (Dennis) Smid, Omaha; James (Cindy) Gubbels, Reno, Nev.; and Joseph (Debbie) Gubbels, Rosemount, Minn.; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Korth Bloomquist; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Marty’s Catholic faith was very important to him. It took him most of the morning to pray for people in need of his prayers. You honor him by continuing to pray the rosary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Trinity Heights Queen of Peace, Heelan Catholic High School, or a charity of your choice.