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JOHN GOODWIN Obituary
Born Jan. 16, 1934, in Galesburg, Ill., the son of William L. and Eileen (Foley) Goodwin, John married Elaine F. Lebegue on March 9, 1957, in Highland, home of her parents.
John graduated from Galesburg High School in 1951 and received a Bachelor of Arts from Illinois State (Normal) University in June 1955. For two years, he taught chemistry and physics, and coached football and basketball at Carrollton High School. In autumn 1957, he attended the Ohio State University on a National Science Foundation grant and received a Master of Arts in Science Education in August 1958. John was hired by the DeKalb school district in September 1958 to teach chemistry and coach swimming for four years, and was golf coach for nine years before leaving in 1968 to organize the chemistry program, teach chemistry and coach golf at the newly formed Kishwaukee College in Malta.
In summer 1972, John left teaching and became an agent for the DeKalb Agency of Country Companies Insurance. In his 24 years with Country Companies, he earned the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation and qualified numerous times for the All Star and All American awards of the company. John focused on his many clients and provided them with exceptional service.
John enjoyed playing and teaching golf, and played on both his high school and college teams, placing fifth individually in the Mid-American Conference in both his freshman and senior college years. Photography and birds were hobbies for a number of years. He spent 12 years in the local Kiwanis Club and served as club president. A member of First Baptist Church of DeKalb for more than 55 years, he held many positions, including deacon, moderator, treasurer, Sunday school teacher and chancel choir member.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Elaine; daughters, Cherie (Kortney) Bertsch of Oregon, Ill., Mardy (Al) Kvistad of Schaumburg and Janet (Paul) Sullivan of Loveland, Ohio; grandchildren, Megan Kvistad, Chris Kvistad, Annalisa Bertsch, Cade Bertsch, Elizabeth Sullivan and Alicia Sullivan; brother, Greg (Peggy) Goodwin of Sun City, Ariz.; and sister, Gloria (Won) Hurh of Macomb.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, William Goodwin of Boulder, Colo.
The funeral service will beat 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 1, at First Baptist Church of DeKalb, with the Rev. Bob Edwards and the Rev. John Peterson officiating. Cremation will follow at Anderson Funeral Home Crematory. The visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 31, at Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb.
Memorials may be made to the John A. Goodwin Memorial Fund for First Baptist Church, DeKalb, sent in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 S. Fourth St., DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN GOODWIN
March 23, 2019
March 23, 2019
Elaine & Girls,
Its amazing how time seems to slip by so fast. For you all I'm sure it feels like John's departure was long ago and yet like yesterday too. We trust that your Faith has sustained you through these years and the knowledge that John's solid Faith placed him with the Lord.
John & I seemed to do a lot of travelling together in search of a new pastor for FBC. We would discuss our strategies on how to enter the next strange church as we evaluated their preacher, ie, enter separately and sit separately, don't say where you're from, minimize exit dialogue, we felt kind of like sleuths. Needless to say John was ball of fun to travel with.
May the wonderful memories you have continue to be of fond thoughts and give you strength.
Our Christian Love to all... Elaine, Cherie, Mardy and Janet.
Bob and Eva Green
Ellen Storm
May 10, 2013
Dear Elaine, Cherie, Mardy & Janet,
I just learned about John.
He had such a gentle and kind way of being. I had the honor of having him for Chemistry in High School. Moreso, he was such important man at our church. I always felt like he had so much wisdom, compassion. He was so considerate and kind to my mother. She truly loved him.
You are in our prayers. Love, Ellen Storm , Bob, David
April 7, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the family of John Goodwin. Jim enjoyed working with John and putting together workshops for elementary teachers in the area of chemistry. It was a huge learning experience. John was truly an outgoing and great teacher.
Jim and Lucy Wuchte
Nancy MacGinnitie Weber
April 3, 2013
I will always remember Mr. Goodwin's love of chemistry---although as hard as he tried, he was never succussful in passing that love onto me. And I know that his prayers were answered as my lab partner and I never blew DKHS up. Interesting how a teacher of a subject a person doesn't care for and/or understand can make such a positive impact that person. I know he reached MANY students in a very positive way. What a wonderful trait.
Hold tight to your memories.
jim besenfelder
April 2, 2013
John was my golf coach for two years and Chem Study teacher my Jr. Year. He was a super nice guy and a great coach. I just wish I had been smarter to understand Chem Study. RIP Coach.
April 2, 2013
Dear Elaine and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your husband and father's passing. I am praying for the Lord's peace which passes all understanding to be with you all.
love,
Cathy House
Sue Brammerlo Dirker
April 2, 2013
Elaine & daughters-
Am sorry to hear abut your loss...my condolences to you. If you need to talk, I'm here...the "loss wounds" are fresh for me too.
Dwight and Shelley Carlson
April 2, 2013
Dear Elaine and Family,
We were sorry to hear of John's passing.
I had the good fortune to meet and work with John through our time at the COUNTRY. He had a Solid Client base and his Customers were well serviced.
He was a joy to play golf and to spend time with. He truly was a Great Man with a Great Wife and Family.
April 1, 2013
Elaine & Girls,
John was my Chemistry Teacher and Golf Coach. Through the I years would see him at the golf course when he still played. He did taxes with us for senior through AARP Taxaide. He will be missed.
Dave Leifheit Sycamore
Tracy Van Steenburgh
April 1, 2013
Elaine, Cherie, Mardy, and Janet: I think my original message didn't get posted so I try again. My deepest sympathies to all of you. I have the fondest memories of John, who put up with Cherie's kooky friends, including me. I specifically and fondly recall watching "White Christmas" at the Goodwin house. When Danny Kaye mentioned a "snood," all of us girls looked at each other, wondering what that meant. John, who happened to be walking through the family room at the time, without missing a beat, casually and with a drole look, defined it as he passed through the next room, as if he defined "snood" on a daily basis. It was hilarious. It was one of those moments that has always stuck with me and made me smile.
Kris Baker-Bethel
April 1, 2013
Dear Goodwin family,
I am so sorry to see that your husband/dad passed away. As Melynda said, we have many wonderful memories of your family and ours. The gentleness and kindness that Mr. Goodwin showed to us is a legacy he left behind for many to remember. May your memories sustain you. My prayers are with you.
SUE FOLEY
April 1, 2013
I REMEMBER JOHN FOR HIS BIG SMILES AND HUGS. AM SENDING PRAYERS SUE FOLEY
Melynda Baker-Mungor
April 1, 2013
Dear Mrs. Goodwin, Cherie, Mardy, and Janet,
I was so sorry to see that your husband/dad had passed away recently. Our families share many memories of happy times together. My heart goes out to you at this sad time, but I know you will be smiling as you share so many dear memories with your family and friends this week.
April 1, 2013
Dear Mrs. Goodwin and "girls", I send sincere sympathy for the loss of Mr Goodwin. I have many old memories of your family that are pleasant ones as a result you being such nice people and friends to my parents. Mr. Goodwin will always be a good man to remember.
Sincerely, Dianne Johnson (Dickey)
50th DHS reunion, Class of 1960
Helen Hartmann Carlton
March 31, 2013
Elaine and family, I was so sorry to hear about John passing. I will certainly keep your family in my prayers. I enjoyed John as my chemistry teacher years ago and also babysitting for your family. It is so special that we had a good visit at our class of '60 DHS reunion. May God embrace you and send THE Comforter during your time of grief.
Kay Foley Barancik
March 31, 2013
Elaine and family--
I was sad to hear about your loss. I always thought of my cousin as "John Alwyn" and that he was a scientist living near Chicago. Whenever I saw him at family events he was always smiling--always. I'm sad that Greg and Gloria lost their dear brother. I am sorry I will not be at the funeral but I'm glad to hear some of my siblings from the Bill Foley family will be attending. Now John can watch over us. My thoughts and love to all of you.
March 31, 2013
Mrs. Goodwin, Cherie, Marty and Janet: I am so sorry to hear of your husband's/father's passing. Please know that your family has been in my thoughts over these many years.
Love, Jana (McLean) Gallagher
Al Peck
March 31, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Goodwin family on your loss. John was our swimming coach and my chemistry teacher and friend. I was so glad to see John and talk to him at our Class of 1961 50 year reunion on 10 Sep 2011. John was one of four of my teachers that were able to attend our reunion. That was definitely one of the highlights of the night. I'm so thankful for the time I was able to spend talking to John.
Don and Diane Berke
March 31, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Elaine and family. We really enjoyed being neighbors on Stafford and visiting with you both. Of course he was our insurance man!!! We were lucky to have John and you in our lives.
March 30, 2013
Elaine and family. We are so sorry for your loss. John was always a good friend. Gary and Ladonna Oxford
Nikki Newsom(Pearson)
March 30, 2013
I'm deeply saddened to hear the passing of a great man, friend. He will be truly missed. My father,Dean talked very highly of him.Who came home from men's breakfast talking about the great sermon that John spoke.
March 30, 2013
Elaine and family, deepest sympathy to all.
Pat Siebrasse
Abby Marsh Knight
March 30, 2013
Wishing you all the comfort of good memories. His legacy spreads far into the community but it is in the strength and welcoming spirit of his family that I will remember him best. My deepest condolences --
Stewart Ogilvie
March 30, 2013
My condolences to family and friends. He was a great teacher.
Brian Theobald
March 29, 2013
Dear Elaine & Family,
We were so shocked to hear about John's sudden death this past week from Al. It was over 30 years ago when I was first introduced to the Goodwin family; and have continued to be a distant follower all these years. Our lives are more enriched by having John's love and kindness woven into our fabric.
Peace & Love & Light to you all; now and always.
Beverly Anderson (Corneille)
March 29, 2013
Dear Elaine and Girls
I was very sorry to hear of John"s passing, what a very nice man, always, was not aware he was ill. What fun memories I have of our GOOD days with Country Companies. Hopefully John will make it home, as he has been visiting here in Fla., and he can give you a hug for me Elaine. Please know you have my sincere sympathy. Bev
Joe and Elegie LoCascio
March 29, 2013
Dear Elaine and Family,
We are saddened to hear that we have lost John. He was a great friend, a wonderful family man, a caring teacher, and someone we all respected and admired. Our Tuesday lunches will not be the same without him. We are currently in Atlanta and cannot be back for the service. We extend our condolences and wish you comfort in his loss.
Jim Durbin
March 29, 2013
I was forunate to know the wonderful Lake Bracken Goodwin Family. His brother, Bill, was the same age as myself, and we all worked on the golf course 'way' back then. I often caddied for John(Shadow)in his golf matches, once during a college tournament. He was one fine fellow.
March 29, 2013
Elaine & Family,
We are so sadden to hear of John's passing. He was a dear friend and business partner for many years. He lived his life as we all would like to live ours. Faith,family and friends always came first with John. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him.
In Sympathy,
Mickey & Jodi Johnson
Debbie Bostak
March 29, 2013
Dear Elaine, Cherie, Mardy, Janet and families, I am thinking of you all during this time. May the wonderful memories of John comfort you.
Dianna Busha
March 29, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
Lowell Griffith
March 29, 2013
I grew up knowing the Goodwin family at Lake Bracken. John, Bill, Gloria and Greg. Although John was older, I will always have fond memories of 'Shadow'.
Bob & Eva Green
March 29, 2013
Elaine and Family, our prayers to you all for your loss of a great husband and father. John was probably one of the most pleasant people I have ever been around.
Karen Hegranes
March 29, 2013
Elaine, Cherie and family- Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your family were the best neighbors anyone could have wanted, and John was earning his angel wings helping my mother as well as many others throughout the years. Hugs to you all.
Nancy Gletty Olson
March 29, 2013
Dear Elaine and family,
I was sadden to see that John had passed but I know he is gone to be with our Lord and joyful there now. I knew John as my Country Companies Agent and he was so kind and so helpful. He will be missed by so many people. May our Lord bring all of you his peace at this sad time.
Don&Dorothy Montavon
March 29, 2013
Elaine and family,
We were sadden to hear of John's passing,what a wonderful and kind man..Always friendly and smiling..We know that he is home with the Lord..May God be with you and your family at this sad time..
linda meyer
March 29, 2013
toelaine sorry to hear about your husband you are in our players sincerly joelandlinda
March 28, 2013
Jerry and I graduated from DHS in 1958 and 1959 and remember John from his first year of teaching in DeKalb and throughout the years in the community with fondness. Our prayers go out to your family in the loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Sincerely, Sue and Jerry Bemis
Joanne Seitzinger-Motley
March 28, 2013
Elaine, Cherie, Mardy, and Janet,
I was sorry to hear about John's passing. He was a wonderful man and such a good friend to my parents. God bless your family at this time.
Laura Meehan
March 28, 2013
Cherie,
I was sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. He was a kind and friendly man. I will pray for the Goodwin family at this difficult time.
Laura Christiano Meehan
Rich & Lynelle Criss
March 28, 2013
Our sincere sympathies to Elaine and her family on the death of John. We were saddened to see that he had died, but know that he is with His Lord. The years he and Elaine sang in the Celebration Chorale hold such fond memories for me. What a kind man. We will be praying for all of you!
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