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GOODWIN, Rachel K 1916-2010

GOODWIN, LYCHE, SULLIVAN MICHELL, BRAUNGER

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/22/2011 at 20:36:51

[Waterloo Courier, Tuesday, August 17, 2010]

Rachel K. Goodwin, a longtime resident of Tempe, Ariz., and Cedar Falls, passed away Friday, Aug. 13, at Arizona Star Nursing Facility, Phoenix.

Rachel Lyche was born in Hatton, N.D., on Oct. 20, 1916, the eighth of what would eventually become 12 children. She grew up in Grand Forks, N.D., and married George L. Goodwin on July 6, 1939, in his parents' home. George's first job out of engineering school took Rachel and George to Buffalo, N.Y., later that year. They spent the war years in Buffalo. George, with his company, producing electrical generation equipment for the Army, and Rachel working as an aircraft engine inspector at Pratt & Whitney.

The couple moved to Chicago in 1945 when George was assigned a Midwest sales region. Both coming from small town backgrounds, they were eager to relocate in the territory and eight months later chose Cedar Falls as a town one half day's train ride to the home office in Chicago. Here they built a home and eventually adopted a son and daughter.

Rachel's large family, Depression-era upbringing had not allowed her the opportunity of college and the ambition of becoming a teacher. When Rachel's youngest was school age, Rachel enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa as a 44-year-old freshman. Her goals were to pursue her teaching dream and establish a financial base for the family that would fund a college education for her children. She graduated six years later and began her career in the field of adult education. Over the next 20 years she advanced in the profession, eventually becoming department head at the regional college. During this period she received many awards and distinctions on local and state levels. She reluctantly retired at the mandatory age 70, but saw it as an opportunity to spend time with her husband whose health had begun to deteriorate.

Following George's passing in 1988 Rachel relocated to Tempe part time and eventually full time. Rachel was a very social person and took pride in hosting everything from family gatherings to holiday parties and bridge club events. She was an avid reader and card player who enjoyed participating in games with friends, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was at her best when involved in helping or doing things for others.

Rachel is survived by her son and wife, Douglas George and Jeanne Goodwin; daughter and husband, Lori and Dave Sullivan; granddaughters Kari Braunger and Stephanie Michell; and great-granddaughters Madelyn and Laycie Michell.

A memorial service will be held at Carr-Tenney Mortuary, 2621 S. Rural Road, Tempe, at 4 p.m. today, Aug. 17. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Rachel Goodwin Memorial Fund, St. John's Lutheran Church, 715 College St., Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Arrangements are being held under the direction of Carr Tenney Mortuary in Tempe


 

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