Michael Goodale

1940 - 2018

Michael Goodale
PEORIA - Michael R. Goodale, age 77, of Peoria died the afternoon of Thursday, March 8, 2018, at Heritage Health Care of Chillicothe, IL, where he was admitted two weeks ago for short-term physical rehabilitation.
Mike was born on April 4, 1940, in Galesburg, IL, a son to Wayne and Zella (Prior) Goodale.
Mike was married to Norma (Horowitz) in Monmouth, IL, by the chief justice of that district in a courthouse designed by Michael. She survives, as do two sons, Jeffery (Marsha) Goodale of Chicago and Bradley Goodale of Arkansas; one daughter, Katherine (Ryan) Weichman of Bloomington; four step-sons, Timothy (Kathy) Emert of Houston, Texas, Emert (Kelly) Emert of Peoria, Patrick (Candace) Emert of East Peoria and Erick (Christina) Emert of West Peoria; and 12 grandchildren.
Mike was a graduate of Galesburg public schools. He went on to earn his architectural degree at the University of Illinois, School of Architecture. After graduation, he joined the firm of Harry Weese Associates of Chicago. He then moved to Peoria in the early 1970s and joined the firm of Phillip Swager & Associates, where he was Vice President and lead architect, specializing in the design of criminal justice facilities. He was the architect of record in the construction of the Peoria Police Station, the remodeling of the federal courthouse in Peoria, designer of courthouses, jails and prisons in such cities as Houston, TX, Lake County, IL, and many others across the United States. Mike was a member of the American Institute of Architects and was architectural consultant for the construction of the Peoria Public Library branch in north Peoria, serving on many panels that judged the work of young architectural students.
After his retirement in in 2001, Mike enjoyed golfing, tennis, sailing and traveling, especially vacations via AMTRAK. Due to his love of trains, both big and small, Mike and Norma spent memorable times in many regions throughout the United States. Together, they also invested in real estate throughout the Peoria area, managing all of their properties in caring and hands-on manner. Mike enjoyed getting to know his many tenants over the years and was always thankful for their partnership.
Mike was a passionate sports fan. He followed Galesburg High School's Silver Streaks, attended every Fighting Illini sporting event he could, and always looked forward to every NCAA "March Madness" Basketball Tournament. "Mike wanted a better seat" said his son-in-law, Ryan, of Mike's passing.
Mike was always an avid reader, particularly historical novels, military, architecture and automobile journals. He also loved his hometown of Galesburg, where he would visit often and seldom missed a Stearmen Fly-In weekend in his hometown, which celebrates America's iconic biplanes.
Mike love politics. He was a huge supporter and advocate for the U.S. Republican Party. He spent many hours assisting the party, enjoying the comradery of the members and politicians he met and worked with over the years.
The visitation for Michael R. Goodale will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at Wright & Salmon Mortuary. Cremation rites have been accorded per Michael's wishes.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Institute of Architects or the donor's choice of charities.