In the grand tapestry of life, a vibrant thread has been drawn to its end. We take this moment to honor and remember the life of Michael Edward Goodley, known affectionately by all as Mike. He was born under the warm summer sun on the 28th day of August in the year 1951, in the small, picturesque town of
Sycamore, Illinois. His journey on this mortal coil concluded peacefully on the 8th day of October, 2023, in the comforting embrace of the Clarissa Cook Hospice Home in
Bettendorf, Iowa, his noble fight against cancer having drawn to a close.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 4-6 pm, at Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial which is located in Wendt Funeral Home,
Moline, IL.
Born to the late Charles and Dorothy Goodley, Mike was the beloved sibling of the late Bill and Kris Goodley, and the cherished brother of Sue Dial and Steve Goodley. Mike was a devoted stepfather to Tucker Deitz and Bailey Sullivan, and a doting father to his beloved daughter, Madison Goodley.
After graduating from Geneseo High School in 1969, Mike furthered his education at Black Hawk College, from where he graduated in 1975 with an Associates in Arts degree. His spirit of service and love for his country led him to enlist in the United States Army, where he served honorably from 1970 to 1973. Following his military service, Mike dedicated over three decades of his life to the United States Postal Service, retiring after 32 years of diligent work.
Mike was a man who embraced the world with an open heart and an adventurous spirit. He found joy in the great outdoors, traveling across the country with family and friends, always in search of a new adventure. He carved his way through the snow on the ski slopes out west, and navigated challenging trails on his mountain bike. He hiked through forests, camped under the stars, and found peace in the rhythm of nature.
His physical strength was matched by his vigor for life. He was a regular at DePaepe's Gym, lifting weights and maintaining his health. His love for sports was unwavering, and he was a devout follower of his favorite teams, the White Sox and the Chicago Bears. Mike's taste in music was as diverse as his interests, spanning across genres and eras.
Mike's love for his family shone brightly in his life. He cherished spending time with his daughter Madison, and her fiancé, Connor Lehman. Their dogs would always eagerly await Mike's arrival, knowing he would invariably share some tasty morsels from his fridge with them. His stories, as numerous as the stars in the sky, were filled with humor and wisdom, reflecting a life well-lived.
In the words of the Bard, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances." Mike Goodley played many parts in his life: a son, a brother, a soldier, a postman, a father, a friend. He played each role with dedication, love, and a zest for life that will be forever remembered by those who were fortunate to know him.
As we bid farewell to Mike, let us remember him not with sorrow, but with gratitude for the life he lived and the love he shared. For in the end, it is not the years in life that count, but the life in the years. And in his 72 years, Mike Goodley truly lived. He will be greatly missed, but his spirit will continue to shine in the memories of all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Condolences may be expressed on his Memory Page at mvcremation.com