Obituary of Ed Goodman Jr.

A graveside service for Ed Goodman, Jr., age 100, of Spirit Lake will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:00am at Lakeview Cemetery in Spirit Lake. A luncheon will immediately follow the graveside service at the VFW in Spirit Lake. 

Edward "Ed" Goodman Jr. was born on December 13, 1922, to Ed and Nettie (Locey) Goodman near Lake Park, Iowa. His journey through life was marked by a commitment to service, a love for family, and a passion for adventure.

In 1935, Ed's family relocated to Spirit Lake, Iowa. He was a proud graduate of Spirit Lake High School, Class of 1943. During his school years, Ed excelled in sports, particularly track, football, and basketball.

Ed attended boot camp at Farragut Naval Training Station in Idaho, then was transferred to gunnery school at the naval base in San Diego, CA. Ed served on three ships in the armed guard, Liberty Ship, Victory Ship, and Army Transfer Ship. He guarded merchant marine ships hauling supplies and traveled around the world. After two years of dedicated service, Ed was honorably discharged in 1945. While overseas, Ed exchanged letters with Judith Schwarzenbach. On May 4, 1946, Ed and Judith were united in marriage.

Upon returning to Iowa, Ed seized the opportunity to further his education under the GI Bill. He pursued a degree in accounting while working as a hospital cashier. However, health issues led him to change his career path. Ed found success working for International Harvester as a parts specialist and later operated a milk delivery route for eight years. His reputation as a reliable and dedicated worker earned him a role as an Industrial Engineer at Berkley & Company, where he dedicated 17 years of his life before retiring. Even in retirement, Ed continued his service by driving the DAV van for 11 years, ensuring veterans had access to essential medical care in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

In his leisure time, Ed enjoyed the great outdoors. He and Judith liked to go fishing and camping adventures, traveling from one lake to another in their motorhome. Ed also had a passion for pheasant hunting.

Ed remained a steadfast member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake throughout his life.

In 2012, Ed had the distinct honor of participating in the Honor Flight, a journey that took him to Washington, D.C. There, he visited the memorials dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifices of himself and his comrades.

Ed passed away on December 26, 2022, at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, Iowa.

Ed is survived by his children: James (Marva) Goodman of Prescott Valley, Arizona; Jeff (Cheryl) Goodman of Big Bend, Wisconsin; and Jean Hanon of Spirit Lake, Iowa. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne (Ardell) Goodman of Texas; sister, Leona Simpson of Spirit Lake, Iowa; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy; his son, Danny; and his sister, Rilma Jensen.