Gordon Carl Goodwin

Gordon passed away on December 14, 2025, imparting a profound heritage of faith, love and unwavering support for his family. He was born in San Francisco in 1936 to Carl and Lowenn Goodwin. The family moved to Windsor, Ontario and then onto Detroit, Michigan where Gordon spent his formative years growing up with his younger brother Lynn. He met the love of his life, Jeanne Renee, while working in the Audio-Visual Club at Cooley High School and the two began dating in 1956. Gordon first attended Wayne State University in Detroit and then Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering before returning to Detroit. Gordon and Jeanne married in July of 1959 and moved to Minnesota where they would go on to raise three children. Gordon initially took a position with Honeywell and later joined, and would eventually retire from, Control Data/Seagate, becoming a member of what the company reverently referred to as the "Old Timers Club." Gordon pursued a wide range of interests including fishing, carpentry, photography, digital editing, printing, and custom picture framing. He constantly upgraded his computer skills and became a master at creating spreadsheets and detailed "To Do" lists. A man of faith, Gordon knelt before the alter on Valentine's Day asking Jeanne to be his bride. This moment became the cornerstone of their marriage and life together. He actively participated in various committees at church, including Building / Operations, and Audio / Light / Video. He assisted with photography for various events and distributed meals through Loaves and Fishes. He applied his computer, spreadsheet and organizational skills while working for Everybody Wins! Minnesota, where he coordinated mentor-student pairings to promote literacy and a love of reading. Gordon was an avid sports enthusiast, playing tennis, racquetball and softball. He supported his children's endeavors wholeheartedly. Whether it was sweating it out at Glen's swim meets in a steamy aquatic center, coaching Susan's softball team through muggy summers, or braving the cold to see Bruce play hockey in frigid arenas, he was always there to cheer on his family. Gordon was an Indian Guide Dad to the boys and a Girl Scout cookie monster for his daughter's troop. He introduced the family to camping, fishing, visiting state parks and learning about a more primitive, simple lifestyle. As the family grew to include grandchildren, Gordon continued to support their diverse interests. He relished his granddaughters' love for music, as Carlin embraced the violin and Kendall took up the cello. He attended their many recitals, beginning with the preschool rendition of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. He watched Corey's first football games, a skinny kid in oversized pads in the backfield. He attended countless baseball games, cheering Mitchell on year after year. And he gasped in wonder as Matthew literally threw himself into becoming a Ninja Warrior, winning his way into a national competition. One of Gordon's greatest joys and source of peace was owning a lake cabin on Upper South Long. He was the ultimate resort "host" and reveled in teaching his kids and ultimately the grandkids how to fish, water ski, knee board, decorate the pontoon for the Fourth of July parades, and venture out on evening toad hunts. Gordon's sweet tooth meant s'mores were always on the pre-bedtime dessert menu. He had a passion for "projects" and instilled in his children the importance of respecting hand and power tools. He was a walking flip chart, constantly brainstorming options for each challenge he faced to achieve the perfect outcome. Whether remodeling the cabin, tackling repairs at the family home in Burnsville, or supervising jobs at his children's houses, "Mr. Fix It" always measured twice, maybe even three times, and then cut once. Water was Gordon's calming and joyful sanctuary. Whenever he and Jeanne embarked on a trip, a lake was always conveniently located nearby, inviting them to sit by its shores or dip their toes in its refreshing waters. He savored the breathtaking beauty of nightfall and sunsets over the lake. Gordon's signature phrases included: "Net-Net," "Not my problem," "If I were a betting man," and the all-time go-to "It's wine time" - most notably everyone's favorite. He will be remembered as a loving, devoted family man and a creative spirit. His legacy of faith, kindness, problem solving, precision to detail, dedication and love will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of sharing in his life. Gordon will be forever cherished by his wife, Jeanne, his son Glen (wife Vicki), daughter Susan, and son Bruce (wife Marti); as well as his grandchildren Carlin (husband Nick), Kendall (husband James), Corey (wife Heather), Mitch (soulmate Haily), and Matthew (fiancée Emilia); and four great grandchildren. We will celebrate his life on his 90th birthday at Oak Grove Presbyterian Church (2200 W. Old Shakopee Rd; Bloomington, MN) on July 18, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1:00PM; Service at 2:00 PM with a "birthday" cake served afterward. The service will be livestreamed on You Tube and Facebook. The link is available on the Oak Grove website: https://www.oakgrv.org/2026/04/01/gordon-goodwin-memorial-service/ In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Oak Grove Presbyterian Church or the Coborn Cancer Center of St. Cloud, MN via the CentraCare Foundation (link below). Please specify your donation is to support the Coborn Cancer Center. https://give.centracare.com/give/262942/#!/donation/checkout

Gordon Carl Goodwin

July 18, 1936 - December 14, 2025

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