Mort A. Gaines

Mort A. Gaines, 76, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025 at his home.

Visitation for family and friends will be 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2025 at Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield. A memorial service celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Jefferson County Park or Hospice Compassus in care of Marcia Gaines, 908 Fairview Dr. Fairfield, Iowa 52556.

Mort was born November 16, 1948 in Burlington the son of Dean and Gladdis (Holsteen) Gaines. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1967. Mort married Marcia Rich, October 28, 1967 in Burlington.

Mort attended the School of Horology at Quincy College to learn the art of watchmaking. Mort and Marcia moved to Fairfield in 1970 where he began work at Kurka Jewelers. In 1978 his hobby of photography developed into a business, Mort Gaines Photography. He captured weddings, senior pictures, scenery, and many other events in the area for over 40 years.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Marcia; children, Dena (Shawn) Morrissey of Fairfield, Ryan (Amy) Gaines of Cedar Rapids, and Heath Gaines of Fairfield; grandchildren, Shannon and Shane Morrissey, and Regan and Brayden Gaines; sister, Sally (Jack) Ullemeyer of Rock Island; niece, Kristi; and nephew, Kurt.

He was preceded in death by his parents.