Norman Goodman

Norman Willis Goodman, 83, passed away peacefully at his home on January 31, 2025. Born on May 26, 1941, in Rochester, Minnesota, he was the son of Floyd and Leona (Goldbeck) Goodman.

Norman graduated from John Marshall High School in Rochester and went on to serve his country in the United States Army. He enlisted on February 20, 1964, and was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas before spending 13 months in Korea, a time he fondly remembered for the friendships he formed and the experiences he gained. He was honorably discharged on February 18, 1966, having achieved the rank of Specialist 4.

A lifelong farmer, Norman dedicated over 50 years to Scattered Acres Inc. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, and annual vacations to Branson, Missouri, and the family fishing cabin in Hibbing. He shared many memories with family and friends in various bowling leagues and treasured his travels, especially a memorable trip to Washington State to visit Uncle Clarence and Aunt Irene Goldbeck.

Norman was united in marriage to his best friend and soulmate, Marilyn (Susie) Heller, on July 12, 1966, in South Dakota. Together, they shared a passion for collecting antiques, actively participating in the Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America and attending conventions across the country. In the later years, they found joy in their involvement with Retrieve a Golden of the Midwest (RAGOM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing Golden Retrievers and Golden Retriever mixes.

As a devoted father, Norman took great pride in supporting his children in various activities, including 4-H, band, football, swimming, softball, Cub Scouts, and Brownies.

He is survived by his children: Jerrod (Dawn) Goodman, Jason Goodman (Emily Soule), and Christy (Brad) Finke; seven grandchildren: Nace (Cheawon) Goodman, Mikayla (Skyler) Cloonan, Rylee Goodman, Brianna Finke, Erik Finke, Michael Goodman, and Madelyn Goodman; and three great-grandchildren: Ryker, Lincoln, and Aria. He is also survived by two sisters, Jeanette (Robert) Nelson and Margie Sweeny, and one brother, Gene (Sandy) Goodman. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marilyn, three brothers Carroll, David, and Larry, and two sisters, Julia and Gladys.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Grace Lutheran Church (45 1st Ave. NW Oronoco, MN), with a visitation one hour prior to services at the church. The burial with military honors will be in the Pleasant Prairie Cemetery.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Goodman family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com