Leo A. Goodwin

MARQUETTE, Mich. - Leo A. Goodwin died on April 25, 2023. He was born on Sept. 13, 1927, in Ironwood, to Leo A. and Lulu Goodwin.

Leo attended Luther L. Wright High School. Before graduation in 1945, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was awarded his diploma early, as a result of his enlistment. While in the service he traveled through the Pacific on the USS Holland. He went to China, Guam and Japan. He saw firsthand the devastation of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

After returning home late in 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Bonita Jean Hill, the daughter of a mine captain. Leo and Bonita were married on Oct. 4, 1947.

Leo was a member and treasurer of Ironwood's American Legion Post 5 Drum and Bugle Corps. He competed in numerous national competitions traveling as far as Miami to compete.

They lived in Ironwood where Leo worked as a finish carpenter at a trailer factory, as well as multiple other jobs before moving to Beaver Grove. A job building housing on K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base brought him to the Marquette area and his family joined him when they officially moved on Jan. 2, 1963. Shortly after, Leo got a job at the Marquette Branch Prison where he worked until he retired. He worked for 25 years and retired as a sergeant. He helped establish the Chocolay Township Fire Department where he served for 30 years and 27 of those as chief. Leo was a member of the Marquette Fire Association and served as president for one term.

During these years, Leo was a Boy Scout leader, a baseball coach and helped with 4H. He continued doing carpentry helping family members build houses, working at churches and for Habitat for Humanity. Leo was also the original sponsor for the Goodwin's race team in 1970.

Leo was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 5.

Leo was very proud of his family which was one of his greatest accomplishments. Leo is survived by his wife, Bonita; his three sons, William, Richard and Robert Goodwin, and their spouses, Pamela, Terry and Laurie; 10 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Marquette Hope First Campus, 111 E. Ridge St. in Marquette, on Saturday, May 6, beginning at 10 a.m. EDT until the time of service at noon. Rev. Erica Thomas will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Marquette Hope Church, 111 E. Ridge St., Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.