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Michael Goodboe Obituary
To say that Goody was a giant in the special operations community is to understate his reputation in the US military and special operations community. Goody served his country with distinction in multiple theaters including Iraq, Afghanistan, Eastern Europe, and Africa.
Goody retired from the Navy as a Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) after a distinguished career as a Navy SEAL in which he earned the Silver Star Medal for extraordinary heroism, four Bronze Star Medals (two with Valor Device), three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal with Valor Device, three Joint Service Achievement Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, five Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Expert Rifleman, Expert Pistol Shot.
Goody will be remembered for his warrior spirit, sense of humor, and high standards for himself and his comrades. Goody made a lasting impression on everyone he worked with, whether in peacetime, training, or serving overseas in challenging environments.
As fiercely loyal and dedicated as he was in service to his country so was he with his love and devotion to his family and friends. All were blessed with Goody's wit, warmth, compassion and love from a man who lifted hearts the moment he walked into the room.
At the time of his death, Goody was 54 years old. He will be missed beyond comprehension by Ruthie Litvin Goodboe, his wife of more than 20 years, his parents Michael and Zelia Goodboe, in-laws, Joesph and Elaine Litvin, uncles, aunts, and cousins together with his chosen family and friends. Michael R. Goodboe will be remembered with pride, honor and love for generations to come.
Goody will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Navy SEAL Foundation at https://www.navysealfoundation.org/donate/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Goodboe
Sponsored by the family.
Orville and Judy Ayers
February 17, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Ruthie
March 9, 2021
To all who have posted their thoughts, prayers and love for my beloved and wonderful husband Mike, thank you. By remembering, he lives on.
Matt Kiefer
March 5, 2021
Who knew in high school what the future would hold. God Bless you and your family for your sacrifice to our country. We stand for the flag and kneel at the cross...at least most of us do.
RAFAEL LATORRE
January 25, 2021
GOD BLESS and Thank you.
Carla
January 23, 2021
Shocking and saddened to have learned of this news today. Mike was a high-school friend of mine at Homestead High School. My parents knew his parents also, and we are sending healing prayers and condolences to his family! Rest in Heaven!
Angie & Paul Solis
December 29, 2020
Paul and I are deeply saddened by the loss of this young man that we first met in Homestead Florida when he was a very young boy. Michael and our daughters played together and he would always say "Here come the Solis girls". Our deepest condolences to his parents who will always be dear friends.
Paul and Angie
Loyd
December 25, 2020
There are many of the 183 Infantry and air crew on lift one during Operation Anaconda, including me, that would have died if Goody hadn't walked up that mountain and cleared the way.
Kathy Trusch
December 12, 2020
Ruthie,
The Boddie- Noell Family is sending much love and prayers to you at this time. Please know that we are praying that you may have strength and courage , and that God may bring you comfort and peace.
Kathy Trusch
Stan Robbins
December 9, 2020
Ruthie,
So deeply sorry for your loss!
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Stan
Steve & Angela
December 7, 2020
In addition to his decorated and 100% selfless service to our country - which is impressive enough - Mike was a real guy. We knew him as civilians...as the guy who played with our kids, and always had a smile and a joke. As the guy who worshipped the ground on which his wife walked. As the guy who asked how our oldest was doing when he started his Navy career and offered advice when he had a mishap...but recovered. Yes, Mike was a first class warrior and completely selfless in his service to us all, and I respect the heck out of that. But he was also a devoted husband, a great friend to know, and someone who always offered an infectious smile and a quick joke. Ruthie, and you and Mike's family - we wish you strength and offer our prayers for His healing grace.
Kristie Mayle
December 5, 2020
Rurhie, my heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Kris
Carol Cella
December 4, 2020
There are no comforting words at this time...a parents loss for their child is devastating...I pray Michael's soul be at Peace and pray for the healing and comfort of God's grace. Zelia & Michael, as you grieve your loss...may you feel His arms around you at all times...
MELLONEY SADAUSKAS
December 4, 2020
Condolences to his family, so sorry for your loss. Thank you sir for your service. It sounds like you were the type of man every mother of a son hopes to raise. Rest easy.
Jody
December 4, 2020
There was no finer man and no better warrior. Goody, you will be missed and never forgotten. Your selfless service and heroic deeds will stand eternally as an example for future warriors to emulate.
Pat Waite
December 4, 2020
Goody is of those silent professionals that spoke to everyone as if they were his friend. While I was blessed to be allowed to provide support to hundreds like him, Goody stands out among them. The lives he saved on the battlefield are immeasurable. There is no doubt he is Heavens Special Project Division planning a mission as everyone morns his loss. May God bless his family and friends.
Mia Guinan
December 4, 2020
Ruthie...I am so deeply saddened. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mia
Scott and Julie Norman
December 3, 2020
My husband (Merlin) and I are deeply sorry for your loss and grieve with you.
Rick Smethers
December 3, 2020
Goody was a great SEAL. More than that he was a great MAN. He was smart, willing to lead anytime anywhere on anything, and never asked anyone to do something he wouldn't do. He always had a great attitude about everything, even when things weren't so good. He was respected by everyone who met him no matter what country they came from. He will be respected and honored in many countries by many warriors, and will never be forgotten. A true American HERO!
Cory Cathcart
December 3, 2020
RIP Michael, your life of sacrifice and selfless service will forever point to that goal which we all strive for. You will definitely be missed.
Jane /Jeronimo Corral
December 3, 2020
My husband has landscaped for Mike and Ruth for many years. What kind and generous people they are. He always talked to us like old friends, never a feeling of not being welcome. This saddens us and we pray for comfort for Ruth at this time. Rest in peace Mike.
Junior Officer
December 2, 2020
Goody took care of his junior officers. He was funny, loyal, and the model commando. Despite his skinny calves, he led with physical courage. We get influenced by men and women through a variety of life experiences. If lucky enough, shaped by natural leaders.
Thanks to Goody for shaping so many.
Prayers for his family.
Jovany Diaz
December 2, 2020
Fair winds and following seas shipmate.
Michael Allen
December 2, 2020
I was blessed to know Mike for over 20+ years when his energy and enthusiasm for life first came into our family circle with his marriage to my cousin, Ruthie. In life, you are blessed to meet a few extraordinary people. Mike was that and so much more, an extraordinary Patriot, loving husband, a great friend. Mike & Ruthie did not have birth children; however, that did not stop either from taking on countless children of all ages to counsel and love. Mike's example of love for his country and his family shined brightly from my two (2) sons (now adults) who both looked up to Mike as an example of the men they both aspired to be. Mike's life was cut short too quickly for Ruthie, his parents, and all his extended family. We will miss him dearly. He will live on him our memories and fond, funny, and famous stories we will tell all those who come after him. I can't wait for the pandemic to pass so that everyone who loved Mike can gather and celebrate his amazing life. - Michael
Amy Mayotte
December 2, 2020
I only knew Michael briefly, but came to know his beautiful wife Ruthie fairly well many years ago. I have not seen her in many years, however have thought of her and Mike often. I am so deeply saddened to hear of this enormous loss to the family and to our country. My thoughts and prayers are with your family Ruthie. America has lost a great hero. Fondly, Amy
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