Richard Goodwin

1940 - 2025

Northfield - Richard Cleon Goodwin was born on February 5, 1940 at the family home in Milo, Maine as the second son of Harold Stephen and Althea Marie (Cole) Goodwin. After graduating from Milo High School he joined the United States Air Force. He liked to joke that he joined the Air Force to see the world and they sent him to the very edge of it by stationing him at Grand Forks Air Force Base. It was there in Grand Forks that he met Leslie-Sue Black when he stopped in at Black's Bakery and she was behind the counter. Dick and Susie married on November 9, 1960. After leaving the Air Force, he tried on several possible careers as an air traffic controller, border patrol agent, and carpenter before settling into a career as a Clerk for the United States Postal Service. He worked at the central Minneapolis branch for 33 years before retiring in 1996. In his retirement, he worked for Viking Meadows Golf Course in East Bethel MN where he manned the counter, mowed, and scooped up the driving range balls. He loved every day at the golf course whether he was playing or working there. Dick also loved hunting and fishing and spending time at the family's beloved cabin at Grace Lake near Bemidji MN. Along with his wife Susie, Dick made his church home at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley, Minnesota where they were members since 1963. Even when they could no longer attend in person, Dick and Susie joined the broadcast worship services online. Dick went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the age of 85. He is survived by his brothers Lawrence, Paul, and Phillip; his beloved wife Leslie-Sue, two sons: the Steven Goodwin (Lisa) of Chino Hills, CA and Richard Goodwin of Northfield, MN; five grandchildren Michael (Miyuki) of Taipei, Taiwan, John (Naomi) of Glendale CA, Sarah of Northfield MN, Grace of New York NY, and Samual of Northfield MN. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 7th at 1pm at the Chapel at Northfield Retirement Center in Northfield MN officiated by the Rev. Julie Rogness. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation in care of the Grace Lake Watershed Improvement Association. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Althea, and his eldest brother, Herbert. Richard wished his remains to be scattered at Grace Lake. He will be deeply missed. Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson, & Langehough Funeral Home of Northfield. www.northfieldfuneral.com