Martin Labath

Martin P. Labath, 71, of Lost Nation, Iowa and formerly of Park View, Iowa left this world at home on Friday, February 24, 2023.  Marty entered the sacred portal, amongst the stars he loved so much, to experience joy, peace and the love of God.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Chambers Funeral Home in Eldridge, Iowa.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until the time of the service.  A celebration of life will be held this summer on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Scott County Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jackson County Hospice, the University of Iowa Palliative Care Specialty Department. (https://uihc.org/services/supportive-and-palliative-care) or to wounded warriors (support.woundedwarriorproject.org.)

Marty was born January 29, 1952 in Davenport, Iowa, the second of eight siblings of John and Suzanne (Petersen) Labath.  He married Barbara A. Quilty on July 2, 1977 in Rock Island, Illinois.  The highlights of his work life included being manager of the former Clayton House located “at the foot of the Government Bridge”, Sales Representative at Main at Locust Pharmacy and Truck Driver at Scott County Ready Mix.  Due to health issues he retired in 2012.

What was most important to Marty was not what he did or accomplished in life but how he made you feel.  He was fun and a very funny, good natured man.  His sense of humor was one of his greatest assets and what endeared him to others.  Family and family gatherings were of utmost importance.  Especially the yearly gatherings with poker playing, euchre, camp fires and being a grill-master.   Music was his first love.  He played an amazing guitar. He wrote songs and poems about love and life.  He has left these as his legacy of words for his family and friends to ponder and enjoy.  Shakespeare wrote, “If music be the food of love, play on.”  Play on Marty!

Those left to honor Marty’s memory are his adored wife, Barbara; beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Christopher (Amy) of Muscatine, Iowa and Timothy (Sheila) of Chicago, Illinois; cherished grandchildren Summer and Savanna of Muscatine, Iowa and Evan and Ellis of Chicago, Illinois; his dearest sisters, Josephine Labath of Moline, Illinois, Suzanne (Ron) Fritz of Scottsville, Kentucky; his much loved brothers, John (Cathy) Labath of Long Grove, Iowa, Bert (Gail) Labath of Lumberton, Texas, Bill (Shannon) Labath of Jefferson, Iowa and Tony (Judi) Labath of Greensboro, North Carolina; his dear sister-in-law, Margaret Labath of St. Charles, Missouri; and a host of treasured nieces and nephews, who called their “favorite” Uncle, Wacky.

Marty was preceded in death by an infant sister, Cecelia, his Parents and his brother, Pete.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Martin's obituary at McGinnis-Chambers.com.