John B. Goodrich

1928 - 2014

Goodrich, John Released into the loving arms of his God, John B. Goodrich died in Park Forest on December 9th, 2014 after a lengthy illness. John was born to John Casey and Dorothy (Koll) Goodrich on January 4th, 1928 in Spokane, Washington. He attended Catholic schools in Spokane, including Gonzaga Prep HS and Gonzaga University. He graduated with a Juris Doctor from the Gonzaga University Law School in 1954. He was admitted to the Washington Bar in 1954. In 1955 he accepted a position as Assistant to the General Counsel of Chromium Mining & Smelting Corp., which brought him to the Chicago area. He was then admitted to the Illinois Bar and to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1955. He started his railroad career in 1956 as General Solicitor for the Monon Railroad and rose through the Law Department from Secretary/Treasurer to Vice President Law in 1969. He went to the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in 1970 and became General Counsel, then Treasurer in 1985. After retiring from the railroad, he became General Counsel for the Illinois Development Finance Authority in Chicago. He retired again to play golf, travel, keep a small private law practice, and grow a moustache. He married Therese H. Vollmer, the love of his life and best friend, in 1952. They had nine children who brought joy, happiness and many celebrations to his life. He loved nothing more than to sit back with a martini and watch his grandchildren. Often their travels included the whole family, resulting in a reunion of 30 or more. These week-long events have been held in Bridgman, MI, Winter Park, CO, Table Rock (Branson), MO, Wisconsin Dells, and Coeur d'Alene, ID. As an active member of his community, John served on the Park Forest Traffic & Safety Commission, the Recreation & Parks Board, and as Village Trustee of Park Forest from 1977 1980. He was later elected to the District 163 School Board. His love of music and the arts brought him to serve on the boards of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and Tall Grass Arts Association. He returned to railroading by serving on Chicago South Suburban Mass Transit District from 1996 2014. The district honored him in November, 2014 as did the Village of Park Forest and Kiwanis. He and Therese were inducted into the Park Forest Historical Society Hall of Fame in 1998. His Catholic faith meant so much to him. He was actively involved in the Park Forest Parish of St. Irenaeus. He served on the religious education school board for many years and was active in the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years. His greatest joy was singing in the church choir. His choir family was very special to him and he felt bad when his lungs could no longer support his song. John welcomed everyone into their home including foster children from the Aunt Martha's Agency and any kid needing a place to stay for awhile. Besides his wife of 62 years, he is survived by Joe and Carol Goodrich, Bernadette and Peter Morrison, Andrew and Mary Goodrich, Philip and Gail Goodrich, Thomas Goodrich, Marybeth Goodrich-McCarthy, Jennifer Goodrich and German White, Tim and Rosanne Goodrich-Schutz, and foster son, Rudy Moreno; they have 11 grandchildren, Kim (Josh), Stephanie, John J., Peter Jr., Claire, Valerie, Nick (Katie), Nathan, Thomas, Melissa and Michael. John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ann; and by their daughter, Paula Marie (1956 - 1971). Celebration of his life will begin with visitation Friday 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Lain-Sullivan Funeral, 50 Westwood Drive, Park Forest and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at St. Irenaeus Church at the corner of Orchard and Indianwood, Park Forest, IL Mass 1:00 p.m. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the St. Irenaeus Music Ministry, 78 Cherry Street, Park Forest, IL 60466. For information or to express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, 708-747-3700 or www.lain-sullivan.com.