Joseph Goodrich

Joseph Goodrich, 78, of Rushville, passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2021, in rural Brown County, after doing one of his favorite activities, bow hunting.

He was born on April 17, 1943, in Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of Durward and Doris (Hanson) Goodrich.  He married Carolyn L. Spencer on July 8, 1968, in Long Beach, California.  She preceded him in death on November 23, 2016.

Surviving are five children Jerry Lee Goodrich and wife Vicky of Gallatin, Missouri, Janna Ann Williams and husband Cliff, of Wichita, Kansas, Craig Scott Goodrich and wife Jody of Havana, Andrew Joel Goodrich and wife Kimberly of Rushville, and Robert Delano Goodrich and wife Amy of Green Bay Wisconsin, 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, brothers and sisters Jeff Goodrich of Slayton, Texas, Jim Goodrich of Vine Grove, Kentucky, Judy Catlett and husband William of Frankfort, Kentucky, Jean Javidi of Twinsburg, Ohio, Jane Card of Irving, Texas and Aileen Broman of Huntington Beach, California, special companion Melba Lindsey of Astoria, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, step mother Marjorie Goodrich, brother John Goodrich and three sisters Babs Curless, Bev Spence and Jenny Bang.

Joe served in the United States Navy from May 1961 to February 1971. While serving in the Navy, Joe received many awards including two Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Exp. Medal (Cuba), Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea).  Joe was a patriot, who loved his country.  He first worked for Corporate Woods and Amax Coal.  He later worked for Bethlehem Steel in Indiana.  He retired as a truck driver for DOT Foods in 2005.

He was a member of the Astoria American Legion Post, the Astoria Masonic Lodge and Ansar Shrine.  He attended the Church of the Nazarene in Rushville.  He and Carolyn enjoyed being Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for many years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching football, music and dancing.  Joe really enjoyed being outdoors and working on the farm.  His greatest joy in life was his grandchildren, watching them in their many sporting activities and spending time with them as they grew up.

Services will be at 4:00 PM, Sunday, October 10, 2021, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville, with Pastor Fred Fritz officiating.  Private interment with military rites by the US Navy Burial Detail and the Schuyler American Legion Post # 4, will be in the Hughes Cemetery in rural Rushville.  Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, October 10, 2021, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville.  Memorials are suggested to the Rushville-Industry Rocket Football Team.